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GLOBAL EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
January 2015
Snapshot 21-27 January
Nigeria: Boko Haram attacks continue, with Borno state capital Maiduguri and nearby military bases targeted on
25 January. Security forces pushed BH back from Maiduguri, but further attacks are expected. BH also raided
villages in Michika local government area, Adamawa state. There are reports that BH has forbidden the use of
vehicles in areas under its control.
Ukraine: 13–21 January has been the deadliest period since the ceasefire declaration of 5 September. The
death toll had increased by 200 since the beginning of January, with at least 5,086 people killed in total as of 21
January. 10,948 people have been wounded. The number of IDPs has increased by almost 50,000 since 14
January.
Updated: 27/01/2015. Next update: 03/02/2015
Severe humanitarian crisis
Afghanistan
CAR
DRC
Iraq
Nigeria
oPt
Humanitarian crisis
Cameroon
Chad
Colombia
Djibouti
Ethiopia
Gambia
Guinea
Haiti
Kenya
Lebanon
Situation of concern
Burundi
Guatemala
Honduras
India
Jordan
Watch list
DPRK
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Yemen
Liberia
Libya
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Myanmar
Niger
Pakistan
Senegal
Ukraine
Namibia
Nicaragua
Philippines
Sri Lanka
Uganda
Eritrea
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OVERVIEW
AFRICA
Health, protection, food, and WASH continue to top priority needs, as violence, looting,
and displacement have led to massive deterioration of an already dire humanitarian
situation across the country. Violence between Muslim communities, perceived to have
links with the ex-Seleka, and Christian communities, aligned with the anti-balaka
militias, has resulted in displacement, targeted killings along communal lines, and
human rights abuses.
Political Context
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC CONFLICT, FOOD INSECURITY, INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
24 January: The Minister for Youth and Sport, Armel Ningatoloum Sayo, was kidnapped
in Bangui in retaliation for the arrest of anti-balaka leader Rodrigue Ngaibona (Reuters,
24/01/2015).
24 January: A French NGO worker was kidnapped in Bangui. She was releasedfour
days later (France24, 24/01/2015).
22 January: IPC Phase 3, or Crisis, conditions are projected for March-August, worse
than the five-year average, due to insecurity, and below-average crop production, food
stock levels, and household incomes (FEWSNET, 22/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- Communal violence surged across the country in 2013, with attacks reported in nearly
all prefectures. At least 5,186 people have died since December 2013 (Government,
16/09/2014).
- 2.7 million of 4.6 million people needed immediate assistance as of December, half of
them children (OCHA, 09/12/2014). There are 854,070 people of concern (UNHCR,
05/12/2014).
- 1.5 million people are in Crisis and Emergency phases of food insecurity (USAID,
19/12/2014).
- 166,045 IDPs are in displacement sites (OCHA, 08/12/2014) and 58,662 IDPs in
Bangui (OCHA, 19/12/2014).
- 189,090 CAR refugees are registered in neighbouring countries since December 2013
(UNHCR, 19/12/2014).
In late 2012, Muslim Seleka fighters advanced from the north, taking control of territory on
their way to the capital Bangui, where they held power until December 2013. Seleka
committed numerous abuses during their advance and rule, and self-defence militias
composed of mainly non-Muslims, ‘anti-balaka’, began to carry out revenge attacks in late
2013. The UN Commission of Inquiry into human rights concluded on 8 January that
violence towards Muslims by anti-balaka in 2014 constitutes ethnic cleansing, but not
genocide (Government, 20/01/2015).
Most ex-Seleka members withdrew to the north at the end of 2013, but fighting persisted
between ex-Seleka and anti-balaka, Muslim and Christian communities, and pastoralists
and farmers. The African Union had already deployed troops to CAR prior to Seleka’s
assumption of power, but was overwhelmed by the severity and scope of the problem. UN
peacekeeping force, was deployed to provide assistance, MISCA, as were French troops,
in early 2014. In mid-September 2014, the UN peacekeeping force took over operations
under the name MINUSCA.
In August 2014, a transitional government was formed. There will be no national elections
before late 2015, and the long duration of the transitional government risks worsening the
crisis (Missionary International Service News Agency, 01/09/2014). The ex-Seleka have
rejected the transitional Government, and proclaimed a de facto, independent, secular
state in northeastern CAR in July (IRIN 23/09/2014; Government, 24/07/2014).
Security Context
More than 5,000 people have been killed since December 2013 (BBC, 07/01/2015) and
more than 1,223 security incidents were recorded in 2014 (OCHA, 08/12/2014).
Stakeholders
Ex-Seleka: Formerly known as the Seleka, this group was created in 2012 and dissolved
by President Djotodia in late 2013, at which point the group was renamed the ‘ex-Seleka’.
With the exception of 17,114 confined to three of Bangui’s military camps, most moved out
of the capital and took control of most of the central and northern part of CAR in January
2014 (IRIN, 17/09/2014). Bambari, Ouaka, reportedly became the ex-Seleka headquarters
in May. Rival ex-Seleka groups have clashed on several occasions; a new faction, Unity
for CAR, led by General Ali Darassa, was created in October (Jeune Afrique,
27/10/2014). An estimated 12,000 fighters make up the armed ex-Seleka currently in three
factions of the former coalition (IRIN, 12/01/2015), including Muslims from the northeast,
and Sudanese and Chadians (international media, 30/09/2014).
Anti-balaka: Though the main leaders and political programme of the anti-balaka remain
unknown, the group of fighters formed in order to counter the Seleka. Approximately
75,000 militants make up the anti-balaka, though the numbers are contested (IRIN,
12/01/2015). After the coup and Djotidia stepped down from power, many of the members
of the former government army, the FACA, joined the anti-balaka. It is suspected that up to
ten anti-balaka factions function close to Bangui (IRIN, 12/02/2014). An anti-balaka leader,
Rodrigue Ngaibona, who is considered a central member of the group, was arrested by UN
peacekeepers on 17 January (Reuters, 18/01/2015).
LRA: Mbomou and Haut-Mbomou remain most affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army,
who increased attacks and the political crisis left a power vacuum (OCHA, 10/11/2014). In
January 2015, LRA militant Dominic Ongwen surrendered to US forces (BBC, 07/01/2015).
UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA): MINUSCA officially took over operations on
14 September 2014, under a one-year mandate. It numbers 6,500 troops and 1,000 police
and is expected to expand to 12,000 by February 2015, replacing the 4,800-strong African
Union peacekeeping force previously active in CAR, which struggled to secure the
population during the crisis (UN, 14/09/2014; Government 16/09/2014).
French forces: Half of the French Sangaris peacekeeping mission of 2,000 is deployed in
Bangui. Its mandate expires in April 2015, but President Catherine Samba-Panza has
asked France to extend its military presence. Troops will stay until late 2015, with a
reduced presence of 800 (international media, 14/01/2015).
EU forces: On 21 October, the 700-strong EU military operation in CAR (EUFOR-RCA)
was extended to March 2015 to protect civilians and provide security for humanitarian
operations in the Bangui area (Government, 07/11/2014).
US military assistance: The US is providing logistical support, special forces, and
advisers to African troops operating against the LRA in eastern and southeastern CAR.
Conflict Developments
The first half of 2014 saw an increase in both ex-Seleka and anti-balaka activity,
especially in Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Dekoa, Kemo, Nana-Mambere, and Nana-Grebizi
(AFP, 01/08/2014). In May, fighting and insecurity intensified in Ouaka; 100 died and at
least 200 were injured in Bambari in the last six months of 2014 (AFP, 09/01/2015).
Communal clashes involving Muslims and Christians in Bambari on 5 December left 14
people dead and more than a dozen wounded (UNHCR, 05/12/2014). As of January 2015,
fighting is concentrated around eight central and western prefectures: Nola (SanghaMbaere), Mbres (Nana-Grebizi), Bambari (Ouaka), Yaloke (Ombella Mpoko), Bangui
(Ombella Mpoko), Berberati (Mambere-Kadei), Carnot (Mambere-Kadei), and Batangafo
(Ouham) (OCHA, 07/01/2015).
Unprecedented attacks against UN personnel in October killed two peacekeepers (UN,
28/11/2014).
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Bangui: The security situation remains fragile, with periodic eruptions of violence. A
deterioration in May 2014 saw dozens killed. Conflict escalated again end August, and a
wave of violence beginning 7 October left at least 13 dead. Thousands of people were
displaced, and serious violations of human rights were reported (OCHA, 23/10/2014).
Recent Incidents
Bangui: The situation remains tense around ex-Seleka military camp Beal, where exSeleka are threatening to detonate ammunition if the transitional Government does not
meet financial demands and set up a reintegration programme (UNICEF, 08/01/2015).
Shooting and looting in Bangui on 16 November led to international forces’ intervention
(OCHA, 17/11/2014).
Haut-Mbomou: Violence between Muslim and Christian communities in Zémio over 5–19
November, leaving at least three people dead and 14 injured, marked the first major intercommunity incident in the region since the crisis began in 2012. 50 houses were burned
down in Zémio, Barth, and Bahou; grenades and automatic weapons were used (UN,
24/11/2014).
Mambere-Kadeï: A clash between anti-balaka and MINUSCA forces in Berberati resulted
in the death of one civilian and one peacekeeper in December (UN, 23/12/2014).
Nana-Mambere: On 19 November, clashes between anti-balaka and MINUSCA forces in
the border town of Cantonnier killed six people and injured ten (USAID, 05/12/2014).
Nana-Grebizi: On 19 December, an armed group attacked the village of Combo Bombo,
resulting in 11 casualties and displacement into the bush (OCHA, 07/01/2015). On 16
December, fighting between ex-Seleka and anti-balaka in Mbrés resulted in 28 deaths and
dozens injured (OCHA 19/12/2014; AFP 18/12/2014).
Ouaka: Violence between rival militia between 6 and 7 January killed six in Bambari (AFP,
09/01/2015). Clashes between anti-balaka and ex-Seleka in Bambari on 20 December
resulted in 20 deaths (AFP, 22/12/2014). Other clashes on 20 December caused the death
of three ex-Seleka and four civilians, and injured four (UN, 23/12/2014).
Sangha-Mbaéré: Attacks by armed Fulani herders in Gamboula and Nola towns on 21
December killed 18 (AFP, 23/12/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
As of January 2015, 2.7 million of 4.6 million people need immediate assistance, half of
them children (OCHA, 09/12/2014; 22/12/2014). There are 854,070 people of concern,
including IDPs and CAR refugees in neighbouring countries (UNHCR, 05/12/2014).
Access
Security Constraints
Violent attacks, threats against aid workers, and roadblocks hinder the supply of
humanitarian assistance outside Bangui (OCHA, 07/11/2014) where there are 740,000
people, most in need of some sort of assistance.
Bangui: Violence and obstruction by armed groups all impact humanitarian access
(OCHA, 23/10/2014). Between 18 November and 1 December, IOM had to suspend
assistance to areas in Bangui controlled by ex-Seleka due to insecurity (IOM, 01/12/2014).
On 28 December, a WFP vehicle and materials were stolen from the compound (OCHA,
07/01/2015). WFP reported looting of food supplies at a storage facility in Ndim, Ouham
Pendé, in November (USAID, 05/12/2014). Addionally,as of November, anti-balaka
presence in the fourth district since end October has prevented Votongbo 2 IDP site from
receiving humanitarian aid (UNICEF, 07/11/2014; IOM, 17/11/2014).
The insecurity caused by armed groups affects how easily aid gets delivered beyond
Bangui: Paoua could not receive aid from Bangui, and distributions in Ndim and
Gaoundaye (Ouham Pende prefecture) were delayed (UNHCR, 24/10/2014).
Bamingui-Bangoran: Humanitarian actors suspended activities due to security incidents
in September (Danish Refugee Council, 23/09/2014).
Trapped Communities
At 23 December, more than 36,000 people, mostly but not exclusively Muslim, are trapped
in seven enclaves across CAR (UNHCR, 23/12/2014). As of 10 December, priority areas
included Bangui’s PK5 neighbourhood, Yaloke in Ombella Mpoko, Berberati and Carnot in
Mambéré Kadei, Boda and Boganangone in Lobaye, and Bouar in Nana-Mambéré (USAID,
19/12/2014). They require urgent humanitarian assistance, particularly protection, health,
and nutrition (OCHA, 04/12/2014).
A Fulani group has been trapped for several months in Yaloke. 42 have died since they
arrived in April 2014, escaping violence in several towns (UNHCR, 23/12/2014).
Security Incidents Affecting Aid Workers
18 humanitarian workers were killed and six wounded in 142 incidents in 2014
(OCHA, 23/01/2015; 07/11/2014; OCHA, 04/12/2014; USAID, 19/12/2014). On 19 January,
a female French charity worker was kidnapped in Bangui in retaliation for the arrest of the
anti-balaka leader Rodrigue Ngaibona (Reuters, 19/01/2015).
Logistical Constraints
The absence of bridges prevents access to remote communities (Catholic Relief Services,
24/11/2014).
Disasters: Floods
Around 1,060 people (240 households) were affected by floods in Béma in Haut Mbomou
between 3 and 10 November (ACTED, 24/11/2014). Heavy rainfall in Bangassou, Mbomou,
on 27 October damaged or destroyed 123 houses; humanitarian assistance had not
reached populations at 11 November.
Displacement
It was estimated in March 2014 that 80–85% of Bangui’s minority Muslim population had
fled or been evacuated.
IDPs
As of 23 January, there are 440,000 IDPs in CAR (OCHA, 23/01/2015), including 51,060
in 34 sites in Bangui, 125,080 people in 74 sites in the Bimbo area, 177,530 in 108 sites
countrywide (including Bimbo and Bangui), 225,360 people living with host families and
35,650 people residing in the forest (OCHA, 07/01/2015).
Bangui: Relative improvements in the security conditions of some neighbourhoods outside
Bangui has brought the number of IDPs in Bangui down to 51,060 in 33 sites (IOM,
01/12/2014; OCHA, 19/12/2014; OCHA, 07/01/2015). The largest camps in Bangui are
Aéroport Mpoko (20,900 IDPs in October), Séminaire St. Marc (8,000), and Mission
Carmel (6,775) (CCCM, 29/10/2014). In November, populations in Mpoko camp were in
urgent need of food and shelter (UN, 20/11/2014). Mpoko site is planned to close by
February 2015 (USAID, 05/12/2014) and those living there have yet to be relocated
(Government, 20/01/2015).
7,500 people were displaced between 7 and 16 October (UN, 28/11/2014). Much of the
newly displaced population originates from Bangui’s 3rd and 5th districts, with additional
displacement in and around Bimbo, Ombella Mpoko (IOM, 21/10/2014). Priority needs
include shelter and NFIs, WASH, and health (IOM, 05/01/2015).
Kemo: Around 2,175 (435 families) have been displaced to Sibut due to armed group
violence in Kemo prefecture since August (ACF, 28/11/2014).
Nana-Mambere: The 19 November attack in Cantonnier displaced 2,000 people to
Gamboula and 850 to Dilapoko. Food and NFI support are priority needs (Aide Médicale
Internationale, 02/12/2014).
Ouaka: 18,530 people have been displaced in the prefecture following renewed violence
since September along the Ndassima, Grimari, and Bakala routes (WHO, 31/10/2014).
Food, shelter, education, and WASH assistance are priorities (ACTED, 28/11/2014).
Ouham: As of 18 December, 400 residents (80 households) had returned to Markounda
and 270 to Gbangoro-Kotta village (OCHA, 18/12/2014). In Batangafo, 25,000 IDPs lack
health services, water, education, and protection (UNICEF, 08/01/2015).
Eastern CAR: At least 3,000 displaced by the surge in violence in Zémio on 5 November
need NFIs (OCHA, 04/12/2014). 26,520 people remain displaced by LRA activity (OCHA,
10/11/2014).
Sangha-Mbaéré: In Nola, 600 Muslims sought refuge in areas close to the MINUSCA base
and hundreds of women and children fled into the bush in late December (UNICEF,
08/01/2015).
Refugees in CAR
7,966 refugees and asylum seekers are living in CAR (UNHCR, 16/01/2015), including
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1,700 South Sudanese refugees at 31 March 2014 (UNHCR). 4,241 Congolese refugees
are in Haut-Mbomou (OCHA, 10/11/2014). On 22 December, 80 refugees of Congolese
origin sought refuge in the Bishopric site in Berberati due to inter-ethnic violence (OCHA,
07/01/2015). Insecurity has affected Sudanese refugees in camps in Ouham and Ouaka.
CAR Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
As of 16 January, there are 425,977 CAR refugees in neighbouring countries, 189,802
of whom have arrived since December 2013 (UNHCR 16/01/2015). 241,231 are
registered in Cameroon, 93,120 in Chad, 68,165 in DRC, and 21,554 in Congo (UNHCR,
05/12/2014).
Although the Chad–CAR border has been officially closed since 12 May, refugees continue
to arrive at a number of border points and are considered vulnerable (UNHCR, 07/2014).
10,000 CAR refugees from Ouaka have arrived in Equateur province, DRC, since 16
December 2014 (AFP, 09/01/2015).
Evacuees
At 8 December, there had been 132,414 evacuees from CAR, including third-country
nationals and returning migrants (OCHA, 08/12/2014).
Returnees
Over 5–11 January, 1,500 people (300 families) returned from Cameroon to Bocaranga in
Ouham-Pendé (OCHA, 14/01/2015).
In Ouham and Ouham Pende prefectures, the conflict and poor production will
aggravate food insecurity until March 2015 (FEWSNET, 31/10/2014).
IPC Phase 3, or Crisis, conditions are projected for March–August, worse than the
five-year average, due to insecurity, and below-average crop production, food stock
levels, and household incomes (FEWSNET, 22/01/2015).
Agriculture and Markets
Food crop production in 2014 is expected to be 58% below average, as a result of
insecurity, erratic rainfall, and pest attacks (OCHA, 18/12/2014). Food stocks in rural
areas are 40–50% below average due to recurring raids. Fish supply has fallen by 40%
(OCHA, 18/12/2014) and cattle-breeding has fallen by 77% compared to pre-crisis levels,
and insecurity and poor road conditions have disrupted market linkages and led to
significant increases in food prices: prices from March to August increased 30–70% (FAO,
29/10/2014). Cash crop production is down 80% compared to five years ago (Reuters,
08/01/2015).
Health and Nutrition
As of December 2014, two million people need access to health services (OCHA,
19/11/2014; OCHA 22/12/2014). Many health centres have been out of essential drugs for
months due to access constraints (IFRC, 05/12/2014). Access to medicine in Yaloke,
Ombella-Mpoko, is particularly difficult (OCHA, 04/12/2014). 45% of health facilities
outside Bangui were unable to provide basic health services at May (WHO, 30/09/2014).
Lack of access to health services in IDP sites is of serious concern (WHO, 31/10/2014).
Food Security
Cholera
As of 19 December, about 1.5 million people (33% of the total population) are in need of
food assistance, the most insecure being households headed by women, displaced people
or returnees, and those without financial resources (USAID, 19/12/2014; UN,
13/01/2015). 210,000 are in Bangui and 1.32 million in rural areas (IPC, 31/10/2014). 26%
of households have inadequate food consumption, compared to 15% in 2013. The
percentage of households resorting to negative coping mechanisms has risen from 27 to
30% (FAO, 17/11/2014).
14 cholera cases have been confirmed in two refugee camps along the CAR–Cameroon
border (UNICEF, 03/12/2014).
Diminished quantity and diversity of food intake is raising serious nutrition and health
concerns (FAO, 17/11/2014). The most affected regions are Ouham and most of NanaGrebizi and Kemo prefectures, Ngaoundaye, Bocaranga, and Berberati sub-prefectures in
the west, Boda and Bimbo sub-prefectures in the south, and Obo sub-prefecture in the
east (FAO, 17/11/2014).
A study carried out between 18 November and 2 December in Ouham-Pendé, NanaMambéré and Mambéré-Kadéï prefectures found that food insecurity is high and
transhumance has been negatively affected resulting in cattle theft, division of families,
and poor agricultural sales (FAO, 08/12/2014).
Outlook
Measles
Six measles cases were reported in Yongoro-Mbolaye in Nana Mambere, including two
deaths, and two additional suspected cases were detected at the ‘S’ IDP site in Bambari
(UNICEF, 03/12/2014).
Mental Health
550,000 children, about 45% of the children affected by the conflict, need psychosocial
support (OCHA, 23/09/2014). 60% of parents whose children were admitted to Bangui’s
paediatric hospital for SAM presented symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Nutrition
28,000 children in remote villages suffer from SAM and 75,500 from MAM, among 840,000
malnourished children overall (OCHA, 04/12/2014; 19/11/2014; 18/12/2014). Based on a
national survey, the country has a SAM prevalence of 6.5% (UNICEF, 08/01/2015).
195,790 people are in need of nutritional assistance (OCHA, 22/12/2014).
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According to the preliminary results of the SMART survey in Bangui, there has been a
reduction in GAM, from 8% in 2012 to around 5% currently, likely due to the concentration
of humanitarian activities in Bangui (WFP, 23/09/2014).
WASH
2.3 million people do not have access to improved safe water or improved sanitation
(OCHA, 23/09/2014; 22/12/2014). Western areas of CAR as well as Mbomou are most
affected (OCHA, 31/10/2014).
The water supply has been cut off in some neighbourhoods in Bangui for several months,
leaving many local residents and displaced people without safe drinking water (ICRC,
17/11/2014).
Shelter and NFIs
Nearly 442,000 people are in need of emergency shelter, while 703,975 need NFIs and
125,000 need reconstruction support (OCHA, 19/11/2014).
Education
Over 1.4 million children are in need of education (OCHA, 22/12/2014). There were only
6,000–10,000 children enrolled in school from 2012–2014 (IRIN, 12/01/2015).
The start of the 2014/2015 school year, scheduled for 3 November, has been delayed due
to insecurity (Finn Church Aid, 03/11/2014). 109 attacks against schools were registered
between February and November 2014 (UNICEF, 22/12/2014).
Protection
2.5 million people are in need of protection, particularly in Vakaga, Bamingui-Bangoran,
Ouham, Ouaka, and Lobaye prefectures (OCHA, 19/11/2014; 31/10/2014; 18/12/2014).
Nearly 13,000 are in need of protection following the surge of violence in Zémio in Haut
Mbomou on 5 November (OCHA, 20/11/2014).
Crimes against humanity and war crimes have been, and continued to be, reportedly
committed in CAR. Ex-Seleka are listed for child recruitment, killing, rape and other forms
of sexual violence, and attacks on schools and/or hospitals. Anti-balaka are listed for child
recruitment, and killing and maiming (Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict,
04/11/2014). 490 women were subjected to sexual violence in 2014 (Government,
20/01/2015).
Protection issues remain a major concern, including family and unaccompanied child
protection (UNICEF, 30/11/2014). 432 children were killed or maimed by violence in 2014
(OCHA, 04/12/2014). The number of children recruited into armed groups has risen to
6,000–10,000, from 2,500 at the beginning of the crisis (The Guardian, 18/12/2014).
Updated: 26/01/2015
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO CONFLICT, FOOD INSECURITY,
EPIDEMIC, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
25 January: The Senate voted against the proposed legislation to carry out a census
that could prolong President Kabila’s presidency, but after voting for a new election law
on 25 January, doubts remain regarding the exact date of the preliminary local,
provincial and senatorial polls in 2015 (AFP, 25/01/2015).
24 January:
24/01/2015).
Aveba, in Orientale province, was declared arms-free (Radio Okapi,
24 January: At least 40 people were reported dead during anti-Kabila protests in
Kinshasa over 19-22 January (AFP, 24/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- Internal conflict in the eastern provinces of Orientale, North Kivu, South Kivu, and
Katanga.
- 6.3 million people need humanitarian assistance (WFP, 06/01/2015).
- 2.7 million IDPs (WFP, 06/01/2015). Katanga is of particular concern, with 582,700
people displaced across the province (OCHA, 14/11/2014).
- Over 2 million children under 5 are suffering from acute malnutrition (Radio Okapi,
04/11/2014).
OVERVIEW
Needs are highest in the conflict-affected regions of North Kivu, South Kivu, Katanga,
and Orientale, where there is large-scale, repeated displacement. IDPs, host
populations, and those unable to flee are all vulnerable as insecurity poses multiple
protection risks and prevents access to basic services, although needs vary according
to geographic area and conflict dynamics.
Political violence and inter-communal strife have persisted for decades, influenced by
longstanding tensions with DRC’s eastern neighbours. Operations by DRC armed forces
and UN peacekeepers, and infighting between armed groups disrupt security and
stability.
Political Context
Regional Context
The Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework agreement for DRC and the
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region, aimed at consolidating state authority in DRC, was signed on 24 February 2013 by
Angola, Burundi, the Central Africa Republic, DRC, Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, South
Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. A report by the Secretary-General of the UN on 24
September 2014 noted that trust between neighbouring countries, activity of armed groups,
and the lack of full implementation of the Nairobi Declarations, the peace deal between the
DRC government and the M23 rebels, hinder the stability of eastern DRC (UN,
24/09/2014).
National Political Context
In September, over 2,000 people took to the streets of Kinshasa to protest a bid by
President Kabila to modify the constitution to be able to stay in power beyond his two-term
limit, which should end in 2016 (AFP, 27/09/2014). On 19 January, protests broke out in
Kinshasa, killing 42 people, after a census was proposed, which could potentially
prolong President Joseph Kabila’s term beyond 2016 (AFP, 22/01/2015). Days later,
the Parliament voted against legislation that would potentially prolong President
Kabila’s term in order to conduct a census, but doubts remain over when the
required preliminary local, provincial and senatorial polls in 2015 will be held (AFP,
25/01/2015).
Security Context
At least 40 armed groups are operating in the east of the country (ECHO, 22/10/2014).
They range from local militias set up initially as self-defence groups (among them many
Mai-Mai groups), to secessionist groups, and forces first set up by fighters from Uganda
(LRA and ADF-NALU), Rwanda (FDLR) and Burundi (FNL).
Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) are mainly Hutu Rwandans
who were allegedly linked to the genocide. An estimated 3,000 fighters are active, primarily
in the Kivu region (IRIN).
Mayi-Mayi: At least 20 Mayi-Mayi groups, formed by local leaders along ethnic lines, are
active in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Katanga. The number of fighters can range from 100
to 1,000 (AFP 2013).
Allied Democratic Forces/National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (ADF/NALU)
is a Muslim militant group founded in the 1990s. FARDC launched an operation in North
Kivu to neutralise the group in January 2014 (IRIN 2014).
Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), founded by Joseph Kony in Uganda in 1987, has spread
to South Sudan and subsequently to DRC and CAR (IRIN).
National Liberation Forces (FNL) are Burundian militants based in South Kivu (AFP
2013).
Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) is composed of 120-130,000 fighters (Defence Web,
2013).
The UN Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) is made up of almost 20,000 troops,
as well as military observers and police units. The initial mission, MONUC, was
established after the signing of the 1999 peace agreement between DRC and five regional
states. In March 2014 its mandate to protect civilians, stabilise the country and support
implementation of the PSC Framework was extended to March 2015, and expanded, with
the creation of an Intervention Brigade, charged with neutralising armed groups (RFI,
20/10/2014). The EU mission providing assistance to security sector reform (EUSEC) was
also extended until 30 June 2015 (EU, 25/09/2014).
Conflict Developments
A new wave of violence intensified in eastern provinces in October, after a period of
military operations by FARDC and MONUSCO. In early January 2015, MONUSCO was
preparing to counter FDLR, after a six-month suspension of military operations to allow
FDLR disarmament resulted in only 420 of an estimated 1,500-2,000 fighters surrendering.
President Kabila has committed FARDC support (VoA, 13/01/2015; Reuters, 07/01/2015
AFP, 04/01/2015; dailymail, 07/01/2015).
In November, the former leader of the mainly Tutsi M23 group, which was defeated by
FARDC and MONUSCO at the end of 2013, threatened that the armed group might resume
activities if the Government does not respect its commitment regarding amnesty and
release of prisoners (AFP, 07/11/2014).
North Kivu
Following strategic gains by FARDC-MONUSCO in July 2014, North Kivu has experienced
a resurgence of violence since October in Beni, Walikale, and Lubero territories, from
ADF/NALU, Nduma Defence of Congo (NDC), FDLR, and Nyatura (OCHA, 15/10/2014;
16/10/2014; AFO, 30/07/2014). The insecurity has resulted in widespread displacement,
and rape, kidnapping, and looting have all been reported (OCHA, 16/10/2014).
Beni territory: A wave of machete attacks since early October has killed more than 260
civilians, leading to joint FARDC–MONUSCO operations to track ADF fighters beginning
mid-December (AFP, 05/12/2014; Radio Okapi, 02/01/2015). Reportedly, ADF fighters are
no longer present in a number of localities in Beni, including Abya, Mavume and Pilote and
Issa camps (UN, 12/01/2015). At least 71 people were killed near Oicha, four in Sulungwe,
and five in Mabuo in December (OCHA, 31/12/2014; AFP, 15/12/2014UNHCR, 19/12/2014).
Nzuma, Tipiyomba, and Vemba were the target of attacks on 20 November (UN,
02/12/2014). A curfew was imposed in Beni on 25 November. Civil unrest and violence
from the local population towards MONUSCO assets and official buildings were also
recorded (AFP, 02/11/2014).
Eringeti: Three people were killed in an ADF machete attack on 2 December (AFP,
02/12/2014).
Masisi: Threats and abuse by Raiya Mutomboki and Nyatura led to displacement from
Bulinda, Kazinga, and Ngululu towards the end of December (OCHA, 31/12/2014).
Walikale: On 31 December, FARDC began to reduce its presence in Walikale territory,
raising concerns for the security of civilians, who have been displaced out of fear of
potential armed violence. There were reports that other troops would soon arrive (Radio
Okapi, 06/01/2015). On 15 January, 50 Raiya Mutomboki d’Isangi militants surrendered to
7
authorities (Radio Okapi, 18/01/2014). Clashes between two factions of Raiya Mutomboki
over 13–17 December killed nine and displaced people from four villages to the WaloaUroba area (Radio Okapi, 17/12/2014). FDLR violence over 3–5 November caused 13
civilian deaths and cases of SGBV (Radio Okapi, 10/11/2014).
South Kivu
Security remains volatile in South Kivu as several armed groups continue to operate and
trigger displacement within the province. Four attacks by armed groups were reported over
2–3 January in Sange, engaging FARDC (Radio Okapi, 03/01/2015). An attack by
unidentified armed men in Mukungwe, Walungu territory, killed eight and injured three on
22 December (Radio Okapi, 22/12/2014). FARDC operations removed Raiya Mutomboki
from seven villages of Shabunda in mid-November (Radio Okapi, 26/11/2014). Since the
start of military operations against FNL on 5 January, four of 20 active armed groups in the
region, not solely FNL, have been dismantled (Radio Okapi, 13/01/2015).
Manono territory on 29 November, leading to dozens killed and kidnapped. Luba were
reported to be preparing for retaliation in Kabeke village (OCHA, 10/12/2014). Mayi-Mayi
Yakutumba, originating from South Kivu, have reportedly attacked villages in northeast
Kalemie repeatedly, despite the presence of FARDC along Lake Tanganyika since August
(OCHA, 30/10/2014).
FARDC offensives were making gains against Mayi-Mayi Kata Katanga of Musumari as of
5 November (Radio Okapi, 05/11/2014). An attack in Katendeji in Pweto was reported on 4
December, causing displacement (Radio Okapi, 04/12/2014).
Equateur
Clashes between two villages, Ngbada in Kungu territory and Lingotebe in Gemana
territory, has caused the populations to flee and resulted in five dead (Radio Okapi,
25/01/2015).
Orientale
Humanitarian Context and Needs
The Front of Patriotic Resistance in Ituri (FRPI), LRA, and Mayi-Mayi Simba are all active
in Orientale, and in mid-December, suspected ADF violence spread from North Kivu to
Orientale: seven people were killed and their villages burned. Leaflets were disseminated
threatening new attacks. Attacks in Ndalya, straddling Orientale and North Kivu, on 26
December, killed 19 and injured a further eight; another 11 were killed and five injured in
Ndume (OCHA, 31/12/2014; Radio Okapi, 27/12/2014).
Around 4.1 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance (FAO,
11/12/2014).
Access
On 15 January, fighting erupted between the FARDC and a militant group from Ituri
after negotiations collapsed (AFP, 15/01/2015).
The mountainous and volcanic terrain, and lack of tarred roads limit access across DRC,
and access worsens during the rainy season. In the east, insecurity is a major constraint.
188 incidents involved aid workers in 2014: six aid workers were killed (OCHA,
15/12/2014).
LRA: The LRA was increasing activities against the civilian population in Haut and Bas
Uele as of October, according to MONUSCO (AFP, 08/10/2014). In the third quarter of
2014, 27 attacks, 15 deaths, and 55 abductions were reported, indicating a significant
decrease in abductions and attacks, although only one death had been reported in the
second quarter (OCHA, 10/11/2014). On 15 January, the LRA kidnapped 12 people in Bili
(Radio Okapi, 16/01/2015). Three suspected LRA attacks were reported 29–31 December
in Dungu, injuring two (Radio Okapi, 02/01/2015).
North Kivu: The worsening state of the Kalembe–Pinga route and collapse of the
Muhongozi bridge on the Kitchanga–Mweso route on 11 December is threatening
humanitarian aid access to 82,000 IDPs in Walikale and Masisi (OCHA, 16/12/2014; Radio
Okapi, 24/12/2014). Humanitarian access is constrained in South Lubero due to damaged
roads in Kaseghe and Alimbongo (OCHA, 09/12/2014). Humanitarian access along the
Mbau–Kamango route as well as to the Mutwanga health zone is also hampered by
insecurity (OCHA, 03/12/2014).
FRPI: FRPI resumed violent activities in Irumu territory at the beginning of October
(OCHA, 11/11/2014). At 11 November, the leader of FRPI Cobra Matata and a hundred
insurgents were said to have surrendered (Radio Okapi, 11/11/2014). 64 members of the
FRPI surrendered in Bunia between 27 November and 3 December (OCHA, 03/12/2014).
Cattle raids have continued in Irumu, however, with looting reported end November (Radio
Okapi, 08/12/2014).
South Kivu: Access to some 42,000 people in Fizi territory has been hampered by
insecurity since June. A dozen security incidents against humanitarian workers were
reported in Fizi territory between January and September 2014 (OCHA, 11/09/2014).
FARDC–Raiya Mutomboki clashes have been hindering access to 120,000 people in
Penekusu area, south Shabunda, since mid-August (OCHA, 03/09/2014).
Katanga
Active armed groups in Katanga include the Mayi Mayi Kata Katanga, the Mayi Mayi
Gedeon, and the Corak Kata Katanga. At end October, 15,873 incidents had been reported
in Katanga in 2014 (UNHCR, 30/10/2014). Interethnic conflict between Luba and pygmies,
and Mayi-Mayi attacks, continue to affect Katanga’s Tanganyika district (Kabalo, Kalemie,
Kongolo, Manono, Moba, and Nyunzu territories). Pygmies attacked Mazozo village in
Orientale: 13 INGOs have withdrawn from Haut Uele and Bas Uele since mid-2013 due to
lack of funding, leaving thousands of people without assistance, with the most recent
withdrawal in September. Several humanitarian organisations have suspended activities in
South Irumu as FRPI has resumed activities (OCHA, 01/10/2014).
Katanga: Growing insecurity is hindering the delivery of assistance to up to 500,000
displaced (OCHA, 06/2014; MSF, 09/01/2014).
8
Disasters: Floods
More than 5,000 homes were destroyed in Haut Lomami, Katanga province, after
heavy rains in January, leaving people in need of assistance. Roads are blocked and
crops damaged due to flooding (Radio Okapi, 22/01/2015).
300 people in Katogota, South Kivu, are in need of humanitarian assistance after heavy
rains destroyed their homes on 6 January (Radio Okapi, 13/01/2015).
Over 10,000 people were affected by floods in November in Basoko, Tshopo territory,
Orientale, including 8,000 left without shelter (FAO, 20/11/2014). The WASH and food
security situations were of concerning (OCHA, 11/11/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
In 2014, there were 2.7 million IDPs in DRC (WFP, 06/01/2015), including 770,000
displaced in 2014. 95% were displaced by insecurity and armed conflict (UNHCR,
30/10/2014). 80% of IDPs are hosted by families and communities who are already facing
chronic food insecurity and limited access to services and livelihood opportunities (FAO,
20/11/2014).
North Kivu
North Kivu hosts 861,287 IDPs (OCHA, 23/01/2015): 242,920 IDPs in Masisi, 210,220 in
Walikale, 158,340 in Lubero, and 128,540 in Beni (including 24,660 newly displaced since
September) (UNHCR, 05/12/2014; OCHA, 09/12/2014). 212,054 IDPs are in 60 camps near
Goma, which authorities have moved to close down for security reasons (AFP,
03/12/2014). So far, 2,300 IDPs have been forced to leave Kiwanja camp, and 90% now
live in public spaces of with host families around Kiwanja and Rutshuru. Shelter and basic
social services are urgent priorities (OCHA, 09/12/2014).
Beni: The population of Sulungwe fled to Mbau following attacks on 27 December (OCHA,
31/12/2014). 89,000 (17,700 families) were displaced along the Mbau–Oicha–Eringeti route
between 14–21 November after attacks in Beni and needed multi-sectoral assistance;
2,100 people were displaced to Makumo (OCHA, 03/12/2014; 09/12/2014; UNHCR,
19/12/2014).
Lubero: Around 750 displaced families in Lepya-Mbughavinywa in South Lubero and 1,386
families in Fatua need NFIs, food, and health support (OCHA, 24/12/2014). 50,000 IDPs in
South Lubero were in need of health and food assistance on 22 October; the arrival of IDPs
from Bunyatenge and Walikale and seasonal rains increased vulnerabilities (OCHA,
22/10/2014).
Masisi: More than 500 families were displaced to Rubaya, Burora, and Kihuma following
threats and abuse by Raiya Mutomboki and Nyatura in December (OCHA, 31/12/2014).
Around 1,000 people fled to Luke, Katoyi and Katobotobo villages following clashes
between FARDC and Nyatura in Bivumu (OCHA, 16/12/2014).
Rutshuru: Fighting between FARDC and armed groups is triggering back and forth
displacement: as of 20 November, 10,000 people are estimated to be displaced due to
fighting between FARDC and Nyatura (OCHA, 11/11/2014OCHA, 20/11/2014).
Walikale: 1,650 families returned to Pinga centre between 25 October and 16 December,
while a further 1,700 families were displaced to Pinga during the same period from
Kisimba, Masisi, and Ihana (OCHA, 24/12/2014). Around 5,400 people (1,081 families)
have been displaced along the Bafianda–Okondo route since July; priority needs are for
shelter, NFI, food, and health (NRC, 09/12/2014).
South Kivu
618,330 IDPs are in South Kivu (OCHA, 23/01/2015). The rate of displacement is
increasing, with 31,500 reported in the second quarter of the year, and 68,200 in the third.
38% of IDPs are located in Kalehe (OCHA, 14/11/2014). On 5 January, 400 people fled
Masiga for Kyamafunu due to fighting between the FNL and the FARDC (local media,
06/01/2015). 2,000 fled violence in Magunda and are living in Kakuku and Kihuha without
shelter, surviving on food provided by the host community (local media, 09/01/2015).
17,000 people were displaced from Lulingu twice during the last two weeks of November
following clashes between two factions of Raiya Mutomboki. 4,500 inhabitants of Lolo were
displaced to the bush. FARDC’s assault regaining control of Lulingu and Tchonka on 29
November displaced 18,000 people to the bush (OCHA, 30/11/2014).
More than 1,500 IDPs in Buma, Talama and Kazimiya who fled fighting between FARDC
and Mayi Mayi Yakutumba in Kibamba and Kihingizi in November are in urgent need of
humanitarian assistance, particularly shelter (Radio Okapi, 13/12/2014).
Orientale
467,520 IDPs are hosted in Orientale province (OCHA, 23/01/2015).
Around 300,000 people are displaced in Ituri, including 60,000 IDPs from North Kivu
(OCHA, 23/12/2014). Of the 60,000, 12,600 people displaced to Tchabi, Ituri are living in
poor conditions and in need of medicine; 60% are children who are not receiving education
(Radio Okapi, 16/01/2015). Most of the new IDPs in Ituri are living with host families or in
public buildings. WASH is the most pressing need (OCHA, 22/10/2014).
Over 14–19 December, ADF activity led to displacement from nine villages along the
Komanda-Luna route to Bwanasura and Luna. Priority needs are for shelter, NFIs, and
food support (OCHA, 23/12/2014).
15,000 in Aveba were displaced to Nyangabi, Getti, Kakado and Buna where they do not
have any form of shelter or food and are in dire need of humanitarian assistance (Radio
Okapi, 13/01/2015).
Katanga
Katanga currently hosts 582,750 IDPs, compared to 50,000 end of 2011 (OCHA,
23/01/2015). Mostly were displaced by conflict and intercommunal violence. 80% of IDPs
are living with host families. Initial displacement was triggered by recent Mai-Mai and
9
FARDC combat followed more recently by violence between Luba and pygmies.
DRC Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
71,500 new IDPs were recorded in the third quarter of 2014, including 26,000 in Manono,
16,200 in Nyunzu, 14,500 in Pweto, and 6,800 in Kabalo (OCHA, 14/11/2014).
There are around 442,600 DRC refugees in neighbouring countries, mainly in Uganda
(184,500) (UNHCR, 31/10/2014), 84,640 in Rwanda, 59,440 Tanzania, 23,200 in Congo
(UNHCR 2015), 17,303 in Kenya (UNHCR, 01/01/2015), and 15,216 in South Sudan
(UNHCR, 01/11/2014).
2,000 people displaced from South Kivu to Lamba Katenga and Mayanga over 17–25
November are living in precarious conditions (OCHA, 26/12/2014).
Pweto territory hosts 178,000 IDPs (OCHA, 20/11/2014). Around 10,500 displaced
populations along the Kishale–Kampagwe route, Manono, need NFIs, WASH, and food
support, while 6,500 in Kisele, Mitwaba, need NFIs and health assistance (OCHA,
10/12/2014). 2,500 IDPs in Mwashi camp need food, shelter and health assistance (Jeune
Afrique, 24/11/2014).
31,240 people returned home in Katanga in the third quarter of 2014, encouraged by
FARDC presence, the upcoming harvest season, and the start of school year, including
20,600 in Pweto and 8,200 in Mitwaba (OCHA, 14/11/2014).
Maniema
Maniema has 185,300 IDPs, including 20,000 newly displaced recorded in the third quarter
of 2014. 30% of IDPs are located in Pangi, 26% in Punia, and 20% in Kasongo (OCHA,
14/11/2014).
Refugees in DRC
DRC hosts 120,567 refugees (UNHCR, 30/10/2014). DRC provincial authorities insist that
assistance should only be delivered within camps, making it difficult to support refugees in
host communities.
From CAR: As of 14 January, there were 68,000 CAR refugees in DRC, 32,210 of whom
had arrived since December 2013, including 10,000 who had arrived from Ouaka in recent
weeks (OCHA, 14/01/2015).
From Rwanda: DRC is hosting 38,800 Rwandan refugees (UNHCR, 30/10/2014; UN
30/12/2014).
From Angola: 28,000 Angolan refugees remain registered in DRC, with thousands having
been repatriated (Radio Okapi, 26/11/2014).
Food Security
7.3 million people were food insecure at 14 October (WFP, 14/10/2014) 22,500 displaced
people in Kalonge were in need of food assistance in October (WFP, 27/10/2014).
In Nyamilima, North Kivu, farmers expressed concern over the lack of routes for them to
travel and sell their products which now rot or are taken to Uganda, where the profit is less
affecting their overall livelihood and food security (Radio Okapi, 18/01/2015).
Agriculture and Markets
Lack of seeds from insufficient rains in Ruzizi, South Kivu, since November, is likely to
negatively impact the next lean season (Radio Okapi, 17/12/2014).
500 hectares of maize, banana, rice, bean, and cowpea crops were destroyed by a locust
infestation in Buta, Orientale, in December (Radio Okapi, 27/12/2014). Flooding in
November caused up to 80% crop losses in Basoko territory, Orientale province. Prices
for basic food products have risen (Radio Okapi, 18/11/2014).
Health and Nutrition
In North Kivu, systematic looting of health structures has been reported in various areas of
North Kivu (OCHA, 01/10/2014). In addition, lack of funding has forced several health
zones in south Masisi territory to interrupt activities, severely limiting healthcare access
for 20,000 IDPs (OCHA, 04/11/2014).
Access to medicines and tuberculosis vaccines is reportedly limited in Katanga (Radio
Okapi, 03/12/2014). 1,900 women were unable to receive maternal tetanus vaccination in
Tanganyika district in November, due to clashes between Luba and Pygmies in Muzozo
(OCHA, 17/12/2014).
Cholera
From Burundi: At 30 December, 9,000 Burundian refugees were in DRC (UN,
30/12/2014).
As of 7 December 2014, 17,630 cases of cholera were recorded and 233 deaths,
compared to 26,440 cases in 2013 (UNICEF, 24/12/2014).
Returnees
In Katanga, over 7,000 cases including 300 deaths have been recorded, compared to
13,726 cases and 348 deaths in 2013; humanitarian personnel are insufficient to deal with
the outbreak in parts of Katanga and in South Kivu (Radio Okapi, 07/11/2014; OCHA,
30/10/2014).
At end October, 163,940 people had returned to DRC since January 2012 (UNHCR,
30/10//2014).
Returnees from CAR: Around 100 refugees returned to DRC through Ango territory in
Orientale end December, due to inter-communal violence in Zemio (Radio Okapi,
24/12/2014).
14 cases were reported in Kiliba, South Kivu, from 10 to 13 January (Radio Okapi,
13/01/2015).
10
Malaria
militants in Kamango, Ruwenzori, and Mbau (OCHA, 11/09/2014).
In December, health centres in Fizi in South Kivu and Nyembo Punga in Katanga reported
a lack of space and medicine to treat malaria patients. 200 cases, including five deaths,
were reported in Fizi, while 17 children died from anaemia linked to malaria in two weeks
in December in Nyembo Punga (Radio Okapi, 23/12/2014; 30/12/2014). At least 13
children have died from malaria in Kilemwe, Lulenge territory, South Kivu, since the
beginning of January 2015 (Radio Okapi, 23/01/2015).
South Kivu: Insecurity in Shabunda and Fizi territories prevents children from attending
school (Radio Okapi, 25/09/2014).
Measles
In Katanga, measles caseloads in Bukama, Kabondo Dianda, Kilwa, Mufunga Sampwe,
and Kalemie health zones have reached epidemic level. 12,150 measles cases, including
108 deaths, had been reported for 2014 by 7 December (OCHA, 17/12/2014). Insecurity
has affected access to Kilwa health zone since July and hampered vaccination campaigns
(OCHA, 12/11/2014).
In Orientale province, 11,098 measles cases, including 89 deaths, had been reported by
October. 10,400 had been reported in North Kivu (OCHA, 22/10/2014; 20/11/2014).
Nutrition
Over two million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition (Radio Okapi,
04/11/2014). At May, three provinces were above the 10% emergency threshold: Maniema
(22.7%), Bas-Congo (11%), and Bandundu (10%). In Maniema, SAM is at 8.6%
(Government, 05/2014).
In Katanga, 50 children died from malnutrition in Changa-Changa IDP camp over
September–December (Radio Okapi, 02/01/2015). 108 cases of malnutrition were recorded
in Lubumbashi November–December due to shortages of therapeutic food (Radio Okapi,
20/12/2014).
WASH
38 million people in DRC (53.5% of households) do not have access to safe drinking water,
including seven out of ten people in rural areas (UNICEF, 27/03/2014; Government,
18/12/2014).
As of July, access to water is below the emergency standard of 15L/person/day for most
CAR refugees in Equateur and Orientale provinces and for host communities (UNHCR,
07/2014).
Education
Katanga: 70% of the 34,000 school-age IDP children in Pweto territory are not attending
school (OCHA, 20/08/2014).
North Kivu: In Beni territory, 6,000 children in Oicha and Eringeti have been out of school
since October due to insecurity (OCHA, 20/11/2014). In Kalonge area, another 1,000
displaced children do not have access to school (OCHA, 20/11/2014). 48 schools have
been damaged, occupied, or destroyed during FARDC operations against ADF-NALU
Protection
Military, militias, and other armed groups are all accused of repeated abuses against
civilians, including arbitrary arrests, extortion, looting, child conscription, sexual violence,
and executions.
Child Protection
An estimated 3,700 children have been reported as associated with armed forces and
groups (UNICEF cited by ECHO, 21/10/2014). From December 2014 to early January
2015, 112 children were released and reunited with their families (UN, 30/12/2014; local
media, 09/01/2015).
SGBV
By November, more than 2,900 cases of sexual violence – over half of which were rape –
had been recorded in Katanga in 2014, compared to over 5,100 in 2013 (Radio Okapi,
31/12/2014, Protection Cluster, 05/2014). 2,012 were reported in Orientale province, and
1,123 in Bas-Congo (80% rape) (OCHA, 10/12/2014, 03/12/2014; Radio Okapi,
27/11/2014). Between 25 September and 30 December 2014, 61 cases of sexual violence
in conflict were reported (UN, 30/12/2014).
There were 15,350 incidents of rape and other gender-based violence in seven provinces
in 2013. The actual numbers may be higher (UNHCR cited by Pulitzer Centre on
10/07/2014).
Updated: 26/01/2015
NIGERIA CONFLICT, FOOD INSECURITY, EPIDEMIC, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
25 January: Boko Haram attacked Maiduguri, but was forced to retreat by security
forces. More than 200 combatants were killed, mainly BH. Further attacks on Maiduguri
are expected (The Guardian/AFP, 26/01/2015).
23–24 January: BH released about 190 captives, who returned to their village, Katarko,
in Yobe state (Reuters, 24/01/2015).
23 January: BH killed 15 people as it attacked and burned the village of Kambari during
its advance on Maiduguri (AFP, 24/01/2015).
23 January: BH launched a series of attacks and raids on villages in Michika local
government area, Adamawa state, which is under its control. Several people were killed.
11
According to local officials, some residents who fled the attacks are trapped on
mountains due to insecurity and need rescue. A number of youths and women were
reportedly kidnapped (local media, 25/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- Over 2014, 7,711 deaths due to Boko Haram-related violence were reported by media
sources, representing over half of BH-related deaths in the country since May 2011
(ACLED, 11/01/2014). Over 1–11 January, Boko Haram killed 2,146 people (ACLED,
12/01/2015). ACLED estimates Boko Haram fatalities may be at least over 1,000 per
month over 2015–2016 (ACLED, 12/01/2015).
- 9 million people affected by violence in the northeast, with three million acutely
needing humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 10/2014).
- There are 1.5 million IDPs in the northeast (IRIN, 28/11/2014).
- 4.8 million people are food insecure (UNHCR, 17/12/2014). Conflict-affected
households will remain in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) levels of food insecurity until at least
September. Most IDPs continue to need food assistance (FEWSNET, 07/01/2015).
- 628,000 children under five suffer from severe acute malnutrition (OCHA, 30/09/2014).
north and the Christian south every two terms. The candidate for the main opposition All
Progressives Congress (APC) is former president and military ruler Muhammadu Buhari,
who comes from the north (AFP, 11/12/2014).
Under Nigeria’s constitution, a candidate must win a majority of over 50% and 25% of
votes cast in two-thirds of the country. However, there are concerns about the feasibility of
holding elections in the former SoE states (US Institute of Peace, 09/01/2015). On 14
January, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) admitted that it was
unlikely that elections would go ahead in insurgent-controlled areas of the states (AFP,
14/01/2015). The governors of Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa states have requested the
deployment of extra troops (Reuters, 06/01/2015). In addition, current law in Nigeria does
not allow displaced citizens to vote outside their own precincts, and no action has been
taken to amend that restriction.
Security Context
The frequency and fatality of attacks are at their highest levels since the state of
emergency (SoE) was imposed in 2013. Over 1–11 January, Boko Haram killed 2,146
people (ACLED, 12/01/2015). ACLED estimates Boko Haram fatalities may be at least over
1,000 per month over 2015-2016 (ACLED, 12/01/2015).
In 2014, 7,711 deaths due to Boko Haram-related violence were reported by media
sources, representing over half of BH-related deaths in the country since May 2011
(ACLED, 11/01/2014).
- Nearly half the population does not have access to safe water (UNICEF).
Inter-communal Violence
- 35,909 cholera cases and 753 deaths were reported in 2014 (UNICEF, 12/01/2014).
The Middle Belt area (Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, Nassarawa, and Taraba states) is home to
a number of minority groups, divided between the Islamic north and the more secular
Christian/animist south. Inter-communal clashes fuelled by ethnic and religious tensions,
as well as competition between farmers and pastoralists, flare regularly throughout the
region (IDMC, 12/2014). Over 2014, around 1,700 people died in inter-communal violence;
200 people died in September alone (ACLED, 2014; ICG, 01/10/2014).
OVERVIEW
Up to nine million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across the country;
three million are in acute need in the northeast. Violence has displaced around 1.1
million people, restricted movement, disrupted food supply, seriously hindered access
to basic services, and limited agricultural activities. People affected by violence in
Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, and neighbouring Bauchi, Taraba, and Gombe states are in
urgent need of health services, protection, food, and water.
Political Context
On 20 November, the state of emergency for Adamawa, Borno and Yobe state ended, after
its extension had been rejected by the House of Representatives and the Senate (AllAfrica,
09/01/2015). It has been put in place in May 2013.
2015 Elections
The 2015 election is expected to exacerbate violence in Nigeria (OCHA, 08/2014).
President Goodluck Jonathan is standing, although, according to the opposition, his reelection would violate the unwritten rule that governance should rotate between the Muslim
Stakeholders
Boko Haram
The insurgent group dubbed Boko Haram (Western education is forbidden) was founded in
Maiduguri, Borno state, and has been leading an insurgency to create an Islamic state in
the predominantly Muslim regions of northeastern Nigeria. The Nigerian authorities have
been fighting BH since 2009, with the insurgents using increasingly aggressive tactics.
Regional Involvement
In April 2012, the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) , made up of
forces from Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to interdict criminal activity in the Lake Chad Basin,
was expanded to include the fight against terrorism (Sahara Reporters 07/05/2013). Since
Chad’s announcement in January 2015 that it will militarily support Cameroon against BH,
there have been calls for a viable and effective operationalisation of the MJTF (Reuters
12
13/01/2015; Al Jazeera 20/01/2015).
Conflict Developments
Common BH targets remain rural communities, markets, schools, and highways, however,
the group’s tactics changed in August 2014, from attacking villages and withdrawing, to
seizing control. Some reports indicate that BH has taken control of 40%, or even 70%, of
Borno state, though it is difficult to verify (US Institute of Peace, 09/01/2015). According to
government officials, Boko Haram now controls Baga, on Lake Chad, and 16 neighbouring
towns.
In neighbouring states, BH fighters have reportedly taken control of three towns in Yobe’s
Gujba local government area (Sahara Reporters, 10/08/2014). In Adamawa, Boko Haram
was advancing, but media reports indicated that the military recaptured a number of towns
in October (OCHA, 08/10/2014; AFP, 08/09/2014). BH was ousted from Mubi on 14
November, although the insurgents then overran the neighbouring towns of Gombe and
Hong (AFP, 13/11/2014: 14/11/2014). Attacks on Kano began again in May, after a lull of
several months, and have become more frequent.
Efforts to crush the insurgency are ongoing, although Nigerian soldiers have at times
reportedly refused to deploy because of inadequate equipment, or fled from operations
(AFP, 22/08/2014). Amnesty International has reported mass extrajudicial executions by
the military (Washington Post, 05/08/2014). Civilians have formed vigilante groups or selfdefence militias, reportedly with the tacit backing of the Nigerian Government.
Recent Incidents
Borno state: 20 of 27 local government areas are reported as partially controlled by
Boko Haram (IFRC, 23/01/2015). Over December 2014, Boko Haram-related violence led
to over 400 fatalities and the abduction of at least 225 civilians; 188 were killed in BH
attacks in November (ACLED, 20/01/2015; AFP, 16/11/2014). Over 2014, more than 4,400
BH-related deaths were recorded by media sources, around half of them civilians (ACLED,
22/01/2015).
surrounding settlements. Amnesty International cited reports indicating that as many as
2,000 people were killed (The Guardian, 10/01/2015). Local government officials said up to
20,000 people fled their homes, while 560 were thought to be stranded on an island on
Lake Chad (AFP, 09/01/2015).
Yobe state: On 18 January, a suicide attack on a bus station in Potiskum killed four and
wounded 48 (AFP, 18/01/2015). On 10 January, a child suicide attack in Potiskum left
three people dead and 26 wounded (The Guardian, 12/01/2015). On 9 January, BH
attacked the state capital Damaturu; according to government officials, troops had repelled
the insurgents by 10 January (AFP, 09/01/2015; local media, 11/01/2015). More than 150
people were killed in an attack on the town in December (international media, 01/12/2014;
03/12/2014). On 3 January, the town of Babban Gida was raided (international media,
04/01/2015).
In December, seven people died in a bus explosion near Potiskum, and suspected BH
stormed Geidam, Bajoga, and Ashaka towns (international media, 01/01/2015; international
media, 22/12/2014; AFP, 04/12/2014). In November, two suicide attacks in Potiskum
resulted in 61 dead and 130 injured (OCHA, 14/11/2014; AFP, 06/11/2014). Over 2014, 508
BH-related deaths were reported by media sources (ACLED, 22/01/2014).
Adamawa state: On 23 January, BH launched a series of attacks and raids on six
villages in Michika local government area, which is under its control. Several people
were killed. A number of youths and women were reportedly kidnapped (local media,
25/01/2015).
547 BH-related deaths were recorded by media sources over 2014, around 200 of them
civilians (ACLED, 22/01/2015).
Gombe state: On 16 January, a suicide attack killed at least five people and injured 11
near a marketplace in Gombe city (AFP, 16/01/2015). On 1 January, several people were
injured in a suicide bombing outside a church in the city (international media, 01/01/2015).
Attacks in the city in December killed 20 and unjured 18 (international media, 01/01/2015;
international media, 22/12/2014).
On 25 January, BN attacked state capital Maiduguri, but were forced to withdraw by
security forces. More than 200 combatants were killed, mainly BH. Further attacks on
Maiduguri are expected (The Guardian/AFP, 26/01/2015). On the same day, BH
militants captured the town of Monguno, including a military base, after clashes with
security forces (AFP, 25/01/2015). BH fighters also attacked an artillery base at Jintilo
village, 6km from Maiduguri, and an air force base close to Maiduguri. The Nigerian
military has responded with airstrikes and moved tanks and troops to the area.
Civilians reportedly fled towards Maiduguri (Amnesty International/The Telegraph,
25/01/2015). On 23 January, BH attacked and burned the village of Kambari on its way
to Maiduguri; 15 people were killed (AFP, 24/01/2015). On 9 January, a child carried out
a suicide attack on a market in Maiduguri, killing at least 19 people (BBC, 10/01/2015).
Bauchi state: On 22 December, seven were killed and 25 injured in an explosion at a
market in Bauchi city (22/12/2014).
On 3 January, BH seized a Multinational Joint Task Force military base outside Baga
town, near Lake Chad, housing troops from Nigeria, Chad, and Niger (international media,
04/01/2014). On 7 January, BH took control of Baga town and razed at least 16
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), nine million people in
the northeast have been affected by the conflict, with three million people in acute need of
humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 08/10/2014).
Kano state: On 10 December, suicide attacks at a market in Kano city killed at least four
people. A 13-year-old girl was apprehended carrying explosives (AFP, 10/12/2014;
11/12/2014). On 28 November, at least 120 people were killed and 270 other wounded by
two suicide bombers and gunmen at the Grand Mosque (AFP, 28/11/2014).
Plateau state: Over January–November 2014, 442 deaths due to BH-related violence were
reported by media sources (CFR, 15/12/2014). Most were killed in Jos and Bachi.
Humanitarian Context and Needs
13
Populations are in urgent need of protection, food, and basic medical and WASH services
as very few international actors are operating in the northeast (OCHA, 31/08/2014 and
01/07/2014).
Access
Updated information on the humanitarian situation in the northeast is minimal because of
access constraints. Humanitarian access is impeded by insecurity, poor infrastructure,
and limited openings for dialogue with both security forces and non-state actors (OCHA,
05/2014).
In Borno state, most routes to affected areas are inaccessible. The road from Damaturu,
Yobe state, is the only route for bringing food and other basic commodities to Maiduguri
and northern Borno state (ECHO, 13/01/2015). Maiduguri airport is closed to commercial
flights. BH insurgents are suspected of blowing up a major bridge in Gamboru Ngala
district, Borno state, disrupting transport links with Cameroon (BBC, 27/07/2014).
Movement in BH-controlled areas is reportedly restricted, and the use of vehicles is
forbidden, most likely to prevent residents from leaving (IFRC, 23/01/2015).
Displacement
IDPs
There are up to 1.5 million IDPs since May 2013 in the six northeast states, according to
the Presidential Initiative for the North East, a significant increase on the 646,700 IDPs
reported from an inter-agency assessment in May (OCHA, 24/09/2014; IRIN,
28/11/2014). The displaced apprehensive about returning to their communities, even
those that have been recaptured by security forces (IFRC, 23/01/2015).
In January 2015, NEMA reported almost one million IDPs in the country: 66,000 as a
consequence of natural disasters and 868,000 due to the insurgency in the northeast.
123,600 are in Adamawa, 126,000 in Yobe, 11,500 in Gombe, 46,400 in Bauchi and 81,800
in Taraba states (NEMA, 15/01/2015). As of 24 November, about 400,000 IDPs were
registered in Borno state (NEMA, 26/11/2014). A large number of IDP households are
headed by women who have been widowed during attacks.
According to NEMA, 108,000 IDPs are in camps in Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi and
Taraba states, while 802,148 were being hosted by communities. NEMA currently
manages 20 protected IDPs camps in the North (NEMA, 15/01/2015). IDPs who do not
reside with host families or in camps, often take shelter in public buildings such as schools
(OCHA, 06/2014; UNHCR, 31/10/2014).
As of 14 January, attacks on Baga and neighbouring villages in Borno state had displaced
150,000, according to the State Emergency Management Authority (SEMA). Hundreds of
people from villages near Baga were later forced to flee after BH told them to leave
or face consequences (AFP, 20/01/2015). Maiduguri continued to receive high numbers of
IDPs, seeking refuge in both camps and host communities (OCHA/SEMA, 14/01/2015). On
12 January, NEMA reported 3,200 IDPs in Maiduguri who had fled the Baga area. NEMA
reportedly operates 11 IDP camps in Borno state (Government, 12/01/2015).
On 23 January, following raids on six villages in Michika local government area,
some residents who fled the attacks are trapped on mountains and need rescue,
according to local officials (local media, 25/01/2015).
The burden is overstretching already scarce resources and aggravating poverty and
including food insecurity (UNHCR and OCHA, 01/07/2014). IDPs in host communities are
in urgent need of shelter and non-food items. Food, health, protection, and WASH are all
priority needs in host communities (OCHA, 02/10/2014).
Nigerian Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
At least 153,000 refugees have fled to Cameroon, Niger, or Chad (WFP, 22/01/2015).
Temporary refugee status has been granted to those Nigerians fleeing Adamawa, Borno,
and Yobe. UNHCR has advised against forced returns to northern areas.
Niger: The authorities in Niger estimate that more than 100,000 people, both Nigerian
refugees and Niger nationals, have arrived from north-eastern Nigeria. In 2015, the
violence has led to an exodus of 19,000 people (UNHCR, 16/01/2015). September and
November saw spikes in refugee flows to Niger, with 25,000 and 10,000 people
respectively fleeing after BH attacks (OCHA, 27/11/2014; OCHA, 14/10/2014).
Concentrated in the Diffa region, most refugees are staying with local communities, and
food and water resources are limited (UNHCR, 15/06/2014).
Cameroon: 37,000 Nigerians have fled to northern Cameroon (WFP, 22/01/2015).
About 70% of new arrivals are women and children who need immediate assistance. Aid
and infrastructure projects in the Far North region have been suspended due to high
insecurity (AlertNet, 08/07/2014).
Chad: 11,300 Nigerian refugees are in Chad as of 9 January, some 10,000 of whom
arrived in January (OCHA, 12/01/2015; BBC, 10/01/2015).
Food Security
4.8 million people are food insecure across 11 states in northern Nigeria (OCHA,
30/09/2014; IRIN, 28/11/2014).
Conflict-affected households will remain in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) levels of food insecurity
until at least September. Most IDPs continue to need assistance to meet their food needs
(FEWSNET, 07/01/2015).
The 2013/14 agricultural season has been severely impeded. Vast areas of southern Yobe
and Borno and northern Adamawa were undercultivated or not harvested during the main
farming season of May to December. According to government officials, the violence
has affected 273,000 farmers and led to the destruction of 550,000 metric tons of
crops in Adamawa state, as farmland has been abandoned, and (local media,
24/01/2015). Off-season farming and fishing in the first half of 2015 are also expected to be
reduced (FEWSNET, 07/01/2015).
14
A number of factors make market purchase difficult for households that would typically
offset low production with increased market purchase: most markets in conflict areas are
closed or at reduced levels following attacks, supplies of locally produced commodities are
low, physical access is limited for traders from outside the region, and functioning markets
continue to report high prices for staple foods. Retail millet and sorghum prices for
Maiduguri in December were about 30% higher than in neighbouring Kano (FEWSNET,
07/01/2015).
inadequate latrines and lack of access to safe water. The need for hygiene promotion
activities and provision of hygiene kits is critical (OCHA, 02/10/2014).
Health and Nutrition
10.5 million children are out of school in Nigeria; 60% in the northern part of the country
(UNICEF cited by OCHA, 07/2014). One in every three primary school children and one in
every four secondary school children are out of school in the northeast.
3,000 health facilities in the northeast are closed or have been partially destroyed (OCHA,
08/10/2014). Healthcare services have collapsed in the northern part of Borno state as
health workers have fled (OCHA, 19/08/2014). In March 2014, a multi-sector assessment
covering Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states indicated that only 37% of health facilities are
functioning, leaving residents to seek medical attention across the border. Mortality rates
are increasing and vaccination programmes are severely hit. Polio vaccination campaigns
are now limited to the Maiduguri metropolis.
Most IDPs in host communities have limited access to health services due to various
constraints such as lack of information on services and transportation costs (OCHA,
02/10/2014).
Cholera
According to reports from UNICEF, nearly half the Nigerian population does not have
access to safe water, and a third does not have access to sanitation services.
Education
In March 2014, all state-funded education facilities were closed in Borno state (UNICEF,
23/06/2014). 500 educational institutions in the northeast have been destroyed by the
insurgency (OCHA, 08/10/2014). Borno state authorities announced that 176 teachers have
been killed by Boko Haram in Borno state since 2011 (UNICEF cited by OCHA, 07/2014).
Protection
Maintaining the civilian nature of places of asylum or displacement is of concern.
There is an urgent need for emergency protection, including for unaccompanied and
separated children (OCHA, 06/2014).
Abduction, Torture, and Forced Recruitment
35,909 cholera cases, including 753 deaths (2.1% case fatality rate) were reported
January–November 2014. Reported numbers decreased from 792 cases in the last week of
October 2014 to 35 in the last week of November 2014 (UNICEF, 12/01/2015).
Nutrition
As of September 2014, 628,000 children under five suffer from severe acute malnutrition
(OCHA, 30/09/2014). A February–May SMART survey revealed poorer nutritional status
among the population of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states (UNICEF, 06/2014). In the
absence of humanitarian support, it is expected that up to three million people will face
food consumption gaps in Nigeria by July 2015 (FEWSNET, 07/01/2015).
Severe acute malnutrition is responsible for more than a third of all child deaths in Nigeria;
350,000 children die from malnutrition every year (ECHO, 08/2014).
Polio
In 2014, 29 cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were reported, and six
cases of wild poliovirus type 1. Kano is the only state to have reported cases of WPV
since April (Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 14/01/2015). In 2013, 53 cases were
reported, and in 2012, 102 (GPEI, UNICEF). 72% of cases in 2013 were recorded in Borno,
Yobe, and Kano states.
WASH
WASH conditions in IDP host communities are of critical concern, with reports of
In a report in September, Amnesty International said Nigeria’s police and military routinely
torture women, men, and children, using a wide range of methods including beatings,
shootings and rape (BBC, 18/09/2014).
Over 23–24 January, BH released about 190 captives who returned to their village, in
Gujba local council, Yobe state (Reuters/Sahara Reporters, 24/01/2015).
Kidnappings of groups of women and girls by BH continue, and more than 200 schoolgirls
are still being held captive (OCHA, 01/07/2014). Young men are being forcibly recruited
(ECHO, 20/09/2014). Human Rights Watch estimates that Boko Haram has abducted at
least 500 women and girls since 2009, from more than a dozen towns and villages in Borno
and Yobe states. Women and girls have reported abuse such as forced labour, including
forced participation in military operations; forced marriage to their captors; and sexual
abuse including rape. While some women and girls seem to have been taken at random,
the majority appeared to have been targeted – notably students and Christians.
Updated: 27/01/2015
SIERRA LEONE FOOD INSECURITY, EPIDEMIC
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
26 January: 10,491 Ebola cases have been reported, including 3,195 deaths (WHO,
26/01/2015).
15
23–24 January: The Government lifted nationwide travel bans and eased restrictions on
trading hours, due to the declining incidence of Ebola cases (AFP, 23/01/2015).
22 January: The Government announced it would end the "risk allowances" to
healthcare workers delivering the Ebola response by the end of March (AFP,
22/01/2015).
19 January: The second phase of the Western Area Surge began on 19 January, and
will continue until 1 February (local media, 19/01/2015).
Strikes and tensions related to pay and incentives continue to be reported across the
country (UNMEER, 18/01/2015). On 6 January, the hospital in Magbenteh, Makeni,
reopened after staff ended a strike over risk payments that began on 24 December (The
Guardian, 06/01/2015; 24/12/2014). On 8 December, doctors at Freetown’s main hospital
went on strike in protest over inadequate equipment to fight the Ebola epidemic (AFP,
08/12/2014; UNMEER, 10/12/2014). On 24 November, burial workers in Kenema city
abandoned 15 bodies at the city’s main hospital, protesting at non-payment of allowances
for October and November (BBC, 25/11/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
KEY CONCERNS
- The total cumulative number of reported cases across the region has reached 21,924,
including 8,737 deaths (Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone) (WHO, 26/01/2015). The
numbers of registered cases and deaths are largely inaccurate, underestimating the
gravity of the situation on the ground.
- About 450,000 people, or 7.5 % of the population, were estimated to be severely food
insecure as of December 2014, the impact of EVD accounting for more than a quarter of
the food insecure. By March 2015, these numbers are projected to increase to 610,000,
and 280,000, respectively. 2.1 million people were estimated to be vulnerable to food
insecurity (FAO, 17/12/2014).
- The national public health system is overstretched and struggling to deliver non-EVD
care (UNMEER, 16/11/2014).
For more information on the Ebola crisis in West Africa, visit the ACAPS
Analysis Project page.
Ebola Needs
Political Context
On 4 November, a journalist in Freetown was arrested, under emergency measures
introduced to fight the Ebola epidemic, after a guest on his radio show criticised the
President’s handling of the Ebola outbreak (Reuters, 04/11/2014).
International Response
About 800 UK soldiers are on the ground (international media, 15/12/2014). Cuba has sent
465 health workers to West Africa (international media, 20/10/2014). On 18 September, the
UN Security Council adopted a resolution establishing a special mission to lead the global
response to Ebola (UN, 18/09/2014).
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa has been declared a Grade 3 Emergency under WHO’s
Emergency Response Framework (ECHO, 29/07/2014). WHO declared the epidemic a
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Unrest
Delays in getting visas and security clearances for cargo and planes, as well as high
customs fees, are hampering humanitarian access and supply distribution (international
media, 06/10/2014).
Poor coordination between agencies and road access issues remain major challenges in
rural areas, making it sometimes impossible to reach families in need of food within 24
hours of being placed under quarantine (UNMEER, 30/11/2014). In addition, poor mobile
phone coverage in Koinadugu, Kailahun, and Pujehun, as well as the movement of
people suspected to have Ebola across districts and chiefdoms, impedes
surveillance efforts (UNMEER, 18/01/2015).
Displacement
Since the outbreak of EVD, fear of being infected or quarantined has triggered
displacement. It was reported in October that half of the people who left Kenema and
Kailahun districts since June did so because of Ebola. Some Ebola survivors have had to
relocate because of strong stigmatisation after their return from hospital (DWHH,
06/10/2014). Information on the exact number of displaced in lacking, but there does
not seem to be any large scale displacement.
Food Security
About 450,000 people, or 7.5% of the population, were estimated to be severely food
insecure as of December 2014, the impact of EVD accounting for more than a quarter of
the food insecure. About 76% of the Ebola-related food-insecure individuals live in rural
areas. The number of food insecure is projected to increase to 610,000 by March 2015,
280,000 of whom are attributed to EVD. 2.1 million people are estimated to be vulnerable to
food insecurity (FAO, 17/12/2014; WFP 05/01/2015).
Households are continuing to rely on high levels of negative coping mechanisms in
Kailahun and Kono, areas that were food secure before the Ebola outbreak (WFP,
18/12/2014). Three-quarters of people surveyed in the country by WFP have begun to
reduce the number of daily meals and portion sizes (IRIN, 20/10/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
16
Total food production for 2014 is estimated to be 5% lower than in 2013 (WFP,
24/12/2014). 2014 rice production is estimated to decline by 8% (WFP, 05/01/2015).
Labour shortages caused by movement restrictions and bans on group activity, as
well as the restrictions placed on markets, are cited as a major causes of disruption
to farming activities and the loss of income (FAO, 17/12/2014; 22/01/2015).
Up to 40% of farms have been abandoned in the most affected areas, according to the
International Fund for Agricultural Development (UN, 13/10/2014). Rice production is
expected to dip by 17% in Kailahun, which is usually one of the country's most productive
agricultural areas but has been heavily affected by Ebola (FAO, 17/12/2014).
According to the mVAM survey from WFP, markets are the main source of food (FAO,
11/12/2014; WFP 09/2014). In the northern, eastern and southern regions, prices have
increased, whereas they declined in the western region (UNDP, 14/11/2014). Rural areas
have been more affected by price fluctuations. In December, the price of local rice dropped
by over 10% in the southern and eastern provinces (WFP, 18/12/2014). Palm oil prices fell
8–12% compared to November in eastern and southern Provinces; they typically increase
at this time of year (WFP, 18/12/2014). In November, imported rice prices were stable or
had increased by less than 10% (FEWSNET, 27/11/2014). Price increases ranged from
13% for imported rice to over 40% for fish in October. Other commodities affected include
cassava, groundnuts, and palm oil (FAO, 22/10/2014).
As of 22 December, 27% of weekly markets were open and functioning normally, 45%
were open but operating at reduced levels, and 28% were closed according to an SMSbased trader survey (FEWSNET, 07/01/2015). The reduction in trader activity will be
particularly harmful for farmers relying on cash crops such as cocoa and coffee. Only 20%
of rice farmers are selling their surplus: in Kailahun and Kenema, there were 69% fewer
domestic rice traders than in 2012 (WFP 05/01/2015; International Growth Centre,
13/11/2014).
Below-average stock levels on markets are reported due mostly to travel restrictions and
high transportation costs (FEWSNET, 15/12/2014). Poor food availability (over 50%) was
observed in Bo, Kenema, Kono, Moyamba, Port Loko, and Pujehun; the lowest percentage
was in Kailahun (FEWSNET, 31/12/2014).
Livelihoods
Economic growth was 4% in 2014, compared to an expected 11.3% before the Ebola
outbreak (World Bank, 20/01/2015). Many businesses are reporting an average 40%
decrease in revenue since July/August 2014 (UNMEER, 18/01/2015). Household income
had dropped by 30% as of October (UNDP, 14/11/2014). Wages have improved in the
southeast, but in eastern districts remain 8% to 20% below those reported in other areas
of the country (UNMEER, 21/12/2014). An estimated 179,000 people have stopped working
outside of the agriculture sector, mostly due to efforts to limit the spread of the disease
and to the general economic disruption caused by the epidemic (World Bank, 12/01/2015).
Health and Nutrition
The national public health system is overstretched and struggling to deliver non-EVD care,
leading to an increase in non-Ebola-related morbidity and mortality (UNMEER,
leading to an increase in non-Ebola-related morbidity and mortality (UNMEER,
16/11/2014). Between May and October, the median number of admissions dropped by
70%. An estimated 35,000 sick in Sierra Leone may have been excluded from inpatient
care from mid-May to December 2014 (international organisation, 19/12/2014).
In Kenema district, a sharp decline in facility use for routine health services was reported
due to fear of contracting Ebola at a facility. Antenatal and postnatal visits decreased
significantly between May and July 2014 (CDC, 02/01/2015).
Ebola
As of 26 January, 10,491 Ebola cases, including 3,195 deaths, have been reported in
Sierra Leone (WHO, 26/01/2015). Reliable data collection remains a major challenge, and
it is suspected that about 50% of cases are not being reported across the country
(UNMEER, 02/11/2014). One in ten of the country’s health workers have died of Ebola
(MSF, 26/01/2015).
117 cases where reported from 12 to 19 January. (WHO, 21/01/2015). All districts of
Sierra Leone have reported at least one probable or confirmed case since the start of the
outbreak. The capital, Freetown, reported 30 new confirmed cases, and the
neighbouring districts of Port Loko and Western Rural region reported 31 and 17 new
confirmed cases, respectively. In the east of the country, on the border with Guinea,
Kono reported 13 confirmed cases during the reporting period. Kambia, which
borders Port Loko and the Guinean district of Forecariah, reported eight confirmed
cases, as did Bombali. Kailahun, which borders Guinea’s Gueckedou, has reported
no confirmed cases for 37 days (WHO, 21/01/2015).
The high number of walk-in cases in the latter point to the fact that case finding is still
falling short. A major issue in Port Loko has been the relatively long wait for lab results
from Bo and Kenema. Patients can wait in holding centres for weeks. Ongoing
transmission in Kono has overwhelmed the district hospital, with a very high death rate
among admitted cases. In Tonkolili, transmission has been intense; burials are still taking
place in secret and health worker infection is a concern, with four infections during the first
week of December. In Bonthe, all cases are imported. The burial team is overwhelmed
due to the challenging terrain and hard-to-reach communities (WHO, 07/01/2015;
12/01/2015; 21/01/2015, UNMEER, 04/01/2015). In January, Pujehun, in the southeast,
was the first district to be declared Ebola-free, after 42 days with zero recorded cases of
the virus (ECHO, 11/01/2015).
Concerns have been raised about the sexual transmission of Ebola in the period after
discharge of male survivors from treatment centres. An increase has been reported in the
number of patients believed to have contracted the disease through sexual transmission.
Some survivors are not following the recommended 90 days of abstinence, and education
on condom use is lacking (international media, 17/01/2015, CDC, 18/01/2015).
Healthcare provision: A major challenge is to make labs accessible to all districts: more
reliable sample transportation networks need to be put in place. Proper storage capacity
and maintenance of blood samples also need to be established in several districts
(UNMEER, 18/01/2015). 200,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) sets are needed
every month (UNMEER, 30/12/2014). The Ministry of Health and Sanitation distributed
17
anti-malaria medicine to 2.5 million people in hotspot areas in the districts of Bombali,
Kambia, Koinadugu, Moyamba, Port Loko, Tonkolili, and in all the Western Area in order to
better identify Ebola cases, as the symptoms are similar (UNICEF, 12/11/2014). Another
mass distribution started on 16 January (Government, 12/01/2015; UNICEF, 15/10/2015).
On 22 January, the Government announced it was ending the risk allowances
awarded to healthcare workers participating in Ebola response. The additional
payment of 500,000 leones (USD 118) a week would stop by the end of March (AFP,
22/01/2015).
Containment measures: Lokomasama and Kafu Bullo chiefdom remain locked down
as they, in addition to Masimera chiefdom, are the origin of 80% of Ebola cases in
Port Loko district (WFP, 22/01/2015). An increase in cases among inhabitants of Kaffu
Bullom chiefdom, close to Lungi International Airport, has led to increased scrutiny of
procedures for airport workers (IOM, 16/01/2015). Additional screening measures at
Freetown International airport were imposed by the Government earlier in January (AFP,
04/01/2015).
On 9 January, the Western Area surge operation, launched by the President on 17
December, to identify suspected EVD cases in Freetown and Western Area and refer
patients to treatment, was extended for two more weeks. The second phase of the surge
began on 19 January, and will continue until 1 February (international media,
09/01/2015; Government, 17/12/2014, local media, 19/01/2015). On 23 January, the
Government lifted nationwide travel bans and on 24 January eased restrictions on
trading hours (AFP, 23/01/2015).
On 10 December, authorities imposed a two-week lockdown on the eastern district of
Kono, following reports of new Ebola cases (AFP, 10/12/2014). On 2 December, the
quarantine was extended at least until 19 January, and Tonkolili was added to the list of
districts under quarantine (Government, 02/12/2014, AFP, 04/01/2015). On 25 September,
Port Loko, Bombali, and Moyamba were put under quarantine. Kenema and Kailahun have
been quarantined since 7 August (IFRC, 12/11/2014). In June, Sierra Leone closed its
borders with Guinea and Liberia, and closed schools, cinemas, and nightclubs in border
areas (OCHA, 07/2014). In August, legislation was passed imposing a jail term of up to two
years for anyone concealing an Ebola-infected patient, and of up to six months for anyone
entering or leaving Ebola-affected areas without medical authorisation (AFP, 22/08/2014;
international media, 30/08/2014).
Regional Outbreak
The total cumulative number of reported cases across the region has reached 21,924,
including 8,737 deaths (Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone) (WHO, 26/01/2015). On 19
January, Mali was declared Ebola-free after 42 days without reporting any new cases
(international media, 19/01/2015).
HIV
8,000 people with HIV, or 80% of people previously on antiretroviral treatment, are no
longer receiving treatment due to health staff shortages (UNDP, 30/11/2014).
Maternal Health
Maternal Health
Information on the use of non-Ebola related maternity services is contradictory. In a study
conducted between May and July 2014, CDC reported that use of antenatal and postnatal
services was more affected by the Ebola outbreak than delivery in health facilities in
Kenema district. While according to a World Bank phone survey conducted in November,
the decrease in use of maternal health services, notably antenatal visits, is most
pronounced in Freetown, and there appears to be little evidence for a decrease in usage of
these services in the rest of the country (CDC, 02/1/2015; WB, 12/01/2015).
UNMEER reported that women in the three most-affected countries are no longer giving
birth in health facilities due to EVD (UNMEER, 03/11/2014). In addition, Ebola-infected
pregnant women are often not permitted in the Ebola treatment units because of the high
risk of contamination during delivery, resulting in a probable higher maternal death rate in
the three most affected countries (UNFPA, international media 29/10/2014). On 9 January,
in Kissy, on the outskirts of Freetown, MSF opened the first Ebola treatment unit to focus
on maternal cases, providing both Ebola care and obstetric services to pregnant women
with, or suspected to have Ebola (MSF, 09/01/2015).
Measles
Vaccination rates for measles dropped from 99% in January to 76% in July, since mass
vaccination campaigns have been suspended (UNICEF, 03/11/2014).
Mental Health
According to a recent assessment, trauma due to the Ebola crisis has put people at risk of
mental health problems, due to reduced access to community support systems and normal
coping strategies (International Medical Corps, 09/01/2015).
WASH
About a third of the population live without latrines (UNMEER, 20/11/2014).
Education
As of 28 November, 100 teachers are currently under quarantine (UNICEF, 28/11/2014).
Schools remain closed and nearly two million children are not attending school. According
to the Minister of Education, schools are not likely to reopen until March 2015 (UNICEF,
16/10/2014).
Protection
There are reports that male survivors in northern districts are being publicly
persecuted by their communities (UNMEER, 18/01/2015). There are reports of
contacts being forcibly quarantined in their homes by the authorities and, at times,
experiencing shortages of food or water. These quarantine measures can discourage
families from seeking early treatment for fear of being locked in their homes (MSF,
26/01/2015). Following the launch of the Western Area surge, health authorities have
raised concerns about patients being abandoned by their families at hospitals, even after
18
testing negative for Ebola (international media, 05/01/2015). According to a survey
conducted by UNICEF, 96% of Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone have experienced some
sort of discrimination. More than three-quarters of respondents said they would not
welcome back an Ebola survivor into their community (IRIN, 31/10/2014).
- More than 203,000 acutely malnourished children under five have been reported, 19
mainly in south-central Somalia (OCHA, 05/2014).
- 520,000 children under five urgently require measles vaccination in outbreak areas
(UNICEF, 06/2014).
Child Protection
According to the Deputy Minister of Gender and Children Affairs, gender-based violence
had dramatically increased within the last year (international media, 09/01/2015). As of 21
January, 15,623 children have been identified as directly affected by the
consequences of Ebola, including 8,019 children who have lost one or both parents
to Ebola and 565 unaccompanied or separated from their caregiver (UNICEF,
21/01/2015). With two million children not attending school, UNICEF warns of an increase
in vulnerability, leading to a potential increase in child labour, and in teen pregnancy
(UNICEF, 16/10/2014).
Updated: 27/01/2015
SOMALIA CONFLICT, FOOD INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
22 January: At least 25 people were killed and more than 50 injured during fighting
between Dir and Xawadle clan militias near Deefow, in Hiraan region. The conflict was
reportedly triggered by a land dispute (AFP, PI, UN).
20 January: Al Shabaab fighters attacked a hotel in Mogadishu, killing five, on the eve
of a visit by the President of Turkey (AFP, PI).
KEY CONCERNS
- Widespread violence and insecurity, particularly in south-central Somalia.
- Insecurity and bureaucratic impediments continue to hinder humanitarian access.
- 1.1 million IDPs, mainly in the south-central region, with high concentrations in
Mogadishu (UNHCR, 12/2014).
- More than one million Somali refugees live in neighbouring countries, mostly Kenya,
Ethiopia, and Yemen (UNHCR, 12/2014).
- 3.2 million are estimated to need lifesaving or livelihood assistance (OCHA,
05/12/2014).
- 1,100,000 people are at Crisis and Emergency levels of food insecurity (WFP,
11/2014). Two million people experience Stressed levels of food insecurity.
- More than 203,000 acutely malnourished children under five have been reported,
OVERVIEW
Protracted conflict, consecutive years of drought, natural hazards, and disruption of
basic infrastructure have led to large-scale displacement in Somalia and across the
region. Almost half the population of Somalia, around 3.2 million people, is vulnerable to
external shocks and lacking access to basic goods and services, with an estimated
three million people living in seven regions affected by the Somalia–African Union
military offensive: Bakool, Gedo, Lower Shabelle, Hiraan, Bay, Banadir and Lower Juba
(OCHA, 05/2014). The UN warns of a looming humanitarian emergency (UN,
15/06/2014).
Political Context
Somalia suffers from a chronic fragility of state institutions as a result of two decades of
civil war. Infighting between presidents and prime ministers is a recurrent problem. Prime
Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke was appointed in December – he had held the
role several year previously (UN, 24/12/2014). On 17 January he dissolved his cabinet and
will chose a new one within two weeks (AFP, 19/01/2015). Vision 2016, the Federal
Government’s policy covering constitutional revision, the establishment of regional
administrations, and transition to multiparty democracy, is opposed by key figures in the
state (UNSC, 25/09/2014; ICG, 01/11/2014).
Nonetheless, the formation of regional administrations is slowly taking shape; an
agreement has been brokered with the regional state of Galmadug, and in November, the
Interim South West Administration (ISWA), which encompasses Bay, Bakool, and Lower
Shabelle, was formed (UNSC, 23/09/2014; AMISOM, 19/11/2014).
Puntland: On 8 January, former Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas was elected
President of the self-declared semi-autonomous region. In September, there was an
escalation in tensions between Puntland and Somaliland, which included the deployment of
military forces to border areas (UNSC, 25/09/2014). A number of media sources in
Puntland were closed by the Somali Government in December (Reporters sans Frontieres,
11/12/2014).
Somaliland: Protests began in November after the ruling Kulmiye party planned to unseat
the Speaker of Somaliland. Police fired on demonstrators: one was killed and eight injured.
22 police officers were injured (PI, 15/11/2014).
Security Context
Over 2,200 conflict incidents with humanitarian impact were reported in the first nine
months of 2014, including military operations, active hostilities, and other forms of violence
against civilians (OCHA, 17/10/2014). Security is said to have deteriorated since March,
and the launch of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) and African Union Mission in
Somalia (AMISOM) military offensive against Al Shabaab-held areas. The number of
attacks and fatalities had decreased between 2010 and 2013.
control for more than 20 years (AFP, BBC, 06/10/2014). On 8 November, Al Shabaab had
reportedly retaken control of Kidha Island, 70km off the coast of Kismayo, giving access to
trade routes (Garowe, 08/11/2014; local media, 09/11/2014; All Africa, 07/11/2014).
Al Shabaab
Inter-communal Violence
Al Shabaab, a militant Islamist group linked to Al Qaeda, took over most of southern
Somalia in 2006, seeking to establish an Islamic state. Defeated by Ethiopian and Somali
forces in 2007, Al Shabaab was forced out of Mogadishu in 2011 and Kismayo in 2012, and
lost Barawe, Lower Shabelle, in October 2014. Following the death of Ahmed Abdi Godane
in a US drone attack in September, Ahmad Umar (also known as Abu Ubaidah) has been
named the new leader (AFP, 06/09/2014). Numbering 7,000–9,000 militants, Al Shabaab
typically targets Somali government officials, AMISOM forces, and perceived government
allies. Attacks in urban centres and along transport axes are common. Al Shabaab is
reportedly fleeing south and northeast as the SNAF-AMISOM offensive advances. On 27
December, Al Shabaab intelligence chief Zakariya Ismail Ahmed Hersi surrendered to AU
forces. Experts suggest that the surrender follows splits within Al Shabaab (AFP,
27/12/2014).
On 20 January, at least 25 people were killed and more than 50 injured during
fighting between Dir and Xawadle clan militias near Deefow, in Hiraan region. The
conflict was reportedly triggered by a land dispute (PI, 20/01/2015) (AFP, 22/01/2015;
UN, 21/01/2015).
In November and December, Al Shabaab carried out two attack in Mandera, Kenya, killing
36 workers at a quarry and 28 non-Muslims on a bus to Nairobi (BBC, 02/12/2014). The
Kenyan military launched two operations on Al Shabaab camps in Somalia, reportedly
killing 115 militants (BBC, The Guardian, 24/11/2014).
On 5 December, Al Shabaab carried out a twin bomb attack in Baidoa, killing 15 (AFP, UN,
05/12/2014).
Mogadishu: On 25 December, three AU soldiers and a civilian were killed after a gunfight
in the AMISOM headquarters (AFP, 25/12/2014). On 4 January, a suicide car bomb killed
four people (AFP, 04/01/2015). On 18 January, an EID killed the mayor of Afgoi district, Ali
Jamiil, in the outskirts of Mogadishu (Local Media, 19/01/2014). On 22 January, Al
Shabaab attacked a hotel in Mogadishu, killing five, on the eve of a visit by the
President of Turkey (AFP, 22/01/2015; PI, 22/01/2015).
SNAF-AMISOM Offensive
In November 2013, the AMISOM force was increased to 22,000 from 17,600. Its mandate
has been extended until 30 November 2015 (UNSC, 25/09/2014). The first SNAF-AMISOM
offensive was launched in early March 2014 to recover Al Shabaab-controlled areas of
southern and central Somalia: Bakool, Gedo, Lower Shabelle, Hiraan, Bay, Banadir, and
Lower Juba regions (OCHA, 05/2014). The second phase of the offensive began in late
August. About 1.5 million people live in areas that could be directly affected by the
offensive (OCHA, 19/09/2014). In November, there was an increase in retaliatory attacks
against AMISOM and government troops, with tensions high in Bay, Gedo and Hiraan
(WFP, 24/11/2014).
On 25 August, reports suggested AU and Somali government troops had seized Tiyeeglow
in Bakool region, giving the Somali Government full control of all major towns in Bakool
(AOV, 25/08/2014). On 6 October, international media reported that Somali troops had
regained control of Barawe, a port town in Lower Shabelle that had been under Al Shabaab
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
Outside Mogadishu, insecurity on the main roads to newly recovered areas makes needs
assessments, delivery of humanitarian supplies, and response monitoring difficult (OCHA,
21/11/2014). In late November, OCHA reported that Al Shabaab is blocking strategic roads
connecting Beletweyne, Hudur, and Elbarde. The Logistics Cluster reported in late
November that roads in Bulo Burde, Baidoa, and Wajid also remain extremely unstable
(WFP, 30/11/2014). Reports in January suggest that an Al Shabaab blockade in Wajid,
Bakool region, has spurred acute food shortages and severe malnutrition (Local Media,
19/01/2015). Even in areas where there has been no active conflict, illegal checkpoints,
banditry, and demands for bribes are common (OCHA, 17/10/2014).
The indefinite closure of Bosaso Airport, Puntland, for renovation, has severely
constrained humanitarian operations (PI, 08/01/2015).
Security Incidents Involving Aid Workers
On 3 December, a car bomb was detonated in the vicinity of a UN convoy travelling near
Mogadishu International Airport. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility (AMISOM, 03/12/2014;
AFP, 03/12/2014). As of September, 32 aid workers had been attacked in Somalia in 2014,
with four humanitarian workers killed (USAID, 30/09/2014; OCHA, 17/11/2014). Aid
workers have reportedly been targeted by armed groups for arrest and detention in Bakool,
Bay, Gedo, and Lower and Middle Juba. On 18 May, a 400-strong UN military unit was
deployed in Mogadishu with a mandate to protect aid workers (UN).
Displacement
IDPs
An estimated 1.1 million Somalis were IDPs by December 2014, 893,000 in the southcentral region, 130,000 in Puntland, and 85,000 in Somaliland (UNHCR, 12/2014).
369,000 IDPs live in makeshift camps in Mogadishu. 80,000 were displaced due to the
SNAF-AMISOM offensive in 2014 (OCHA, 04/12/2014).
Mogadishu: As of August, a significant and increasing number of rural families were
moving to Mogadishu, fleeing conflict or food insecurity (UNICEF, 20/08/2014). More than
42,900 IDPs were unlawfully evicted from Mogadishu in late August and early September,
20
mainly from Daynile and Hodan, according to UNHCR (WFP, 24/11/2014). The evicted
have moved to the outskirts of Mogadishu and remote areas, where they lack physical
security and access to basic services (OCHA, 19/09/2014).
Returnees
The Tripartite Agreement between the Kenyan and Somali Governments and UNHCR,
signed in November 2013, establishes a legal framework for those Somali refugees
wishing to return home (UNHCR 15/08/2014). Three areas have been designated to
receive returnees: Luuq, Baidowa, and Kismayo. Only 3,000 refugees have registered
to return, compared to the original target of 10,000. (UNHCR, 08/12/2014). Somali
refugees in Kenya cite insecurity and lack of earning opportunities as their main
uncertainties regarding a return to Somalia (UNHCR, East African, 02/08/2014;
UNHCR, 11/08/2014). As of 15 January, 826 returnees had arrived in Kismayo.
Returnees are receiving a return support package comprising of unconditional cash
grants, essential travel and hygiene kits, tools, food and other basic needs
assistance (UNHCR, 15/01/2015).
Refugees in Somalia
As of December 2015, there are 2,540 refugees in Somalia (OCHA, 01/12/2014).
Somali Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
984,222 Somalis are refugees in neighbouring countries: 441,229 in Kenya, 250,474 in
Ethiopia, and 236,803 in Yemen, 24,040 in Uganda, 19,745 in Djibouti, 3,049 in Eritrea,
and 150 in Tanzania (UNHCR, 30/12/2014).
Kenya: On 18 December, Kenya passed the Security Amendment Act, which states that
the number of refugees and asylum seekers permitted to stay in Kenya shall not exceed
150,000; human rights groups fear that the new security law will result in the forced return
of large numbers of refugees (IRIN, 05/01/2015).
Drought
Six districts in southern and central Somalia have been affected by drought. Gedo is the
most severely affected, with 70% of the population being impacted (OCHA, 17/11/2014).
Floods
Heavy rains in south-central Somalia, in upper parts of the Shabelle basin along the
Somalia–Ethiopia border, have caused flooding along both the Shabelle and Juba Rivers.
An estimated 50,000 people have been affected across six regions (OCHA, 24/11/2014),
and from 1 September to 16 November, 30,323 have been displaced in Lower Shabelle,
6,274 in Hiraan, 2,033 in Lower Juba, and 120 in Banadir (UNHCR, 16/11/2014).
Food Security
Of the total population of 7.5 million, 1.1 million people faced Crisis and Emergency (IPC
Phases 3 and 4) food insecurity in November, an increase of 20% since January, and an
additional 2.1 million people face Stressed conditions (IPC Phase 2) (WFP, 24/11/2014).
About 62% of those who face acute food insecurity are IDPs, 27% live in rural areas, and
11% are the urban poor (FEWSNET 30/09/2014). People in Middle Juba region and Jowhar
district in Middle Shabelle are the most affected by food insecurity. In these areas, food
insecurity is attributed to river flooding delaying crop production, limited access to
humanitarian aid, and high food prices due to trade restrictions (FEWSNET, 09/01/2015).
Somaliland: 7,000 people are in Phase 3/4; 472,000 people are in Phase 2; there are
84,000 IDPs (OCHA, 03/06/2014; 31/05/2014).
Puntland: 60,000 people are in Phase 3/4; 240,000 are in Phase 2; there are 129,000 IDPs
(OCHA, 03/06/2014; 31/05/2014). The situation has continued to deteriorate despite
improvements in water and pasture following recent gu rains, due to the severe impact of
six consecutive seasons of drought, and high food and non-food prices (ACT Alliance,
14/10/2014).
South-central: 155,000 people are in Phase 3/4; 1,336 are in Phase 2, and there are
952,000 IDPs (OCHA, 03/06/2014; 31/05/2014). Areas along the Juba River from Buaale in
Middle Juba to Jamame district in Lower Juba will remain in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) through
March 2015. Flooding in October and November destroyed planted crops and
infrastructure, and reduced labour demand. The situation in Hiraan is likely to improve to
Stressed (IPC Phase 2) after the harvest in March (FEWSNET, 26/11/2014). In Tayeeglow,
Lower Shabelle, food insecurity has increased due to Al Shabaab’s roadblocks (OCHA,
21/11/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
In most of Middle Juba, and parts of Gedo, Lower Juba, Lower Shabelle, Hiraan, and
central regions, deyr rains ended three weeks early in December, and cool, dry winds
accelerated the depletion of water sources and the deterioration of pasture (FEWSNET,
24/12/2014). In January 2015, deyr crops were reported to be below average (FAO,
09/01/2015).
An OCHA report in late November indicated that in parts of Lower Shabelle, drought,
coupled with limited or no access to functioning boreholes, has led to price rises and
limited employment opportunities (OCHA, 21/11/2014).
Trade restrictions stemming from inter-clan conflicts and obstruction by Al Shabaab in
rural areas of the south have impeded market flows, inflating food prices and increasing
unemployment in El Barde, Wajid, and Hudur (Bakool region); Luuq (Gedo); Bulo Burde
and Jalawsi (Hiraan); and Marka and Woryoley (Lower Shabelle) (USAID, 30/09/2014).
Although cereal prices started to decline in January 2015, they remain high in most
markets (FAO, 09/01/2015). Cereal production has fallen 30% below the five-year average
(FAO, 31/10/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Around 3.2 million people are in need emergency health services (OCHA, 04/12/2014). Due
to lack of funding to humanitarian actors on the ground, as of November, 1.5 million people
21
in parts of south-central Somalia no longer have access to primary health services, and
300,000 children under five no longer have access to primary health services and free
immunisation (UNICEF, 31/10/2014).
Nutrition
AMISOM offensive; SGBV, including cases of sexual violence during interclan conflict;
child protection violations; killing of civilians (including children); separation of children;
and forced/secondary eviction. The areas most affected are Middle and Lower Shabelle
and Lower Juba (UNHCR Protection Cluster, 10/2014).
Executions
A recent survey indicates 218,000 children under five are acutely malnourished. Of these,
43,800 are severely malnourished (FEWSNET, 02/09/2014), a 7% increase since January
2014 (OCHA, 02/10/2014). 756,000 people are in need of quality nutrition services (OCHA,
02/10/2014).
I DPs: Urban IDP settlements in Dhobley, Doolow, Dhusamareb, Garowe, Galkayo,
Kismayo and Mogadishu have GAM rates of up to 18.9% (UNICEF, 04/12/12014). SAM
among displaced communities in Mogadishu was at 5.5% in July (OCHA 24/07/2014).
Cholera
Cholera is the disease with the highest death rate in Somalia. 3,800 cases were recorded
January–August 2014, 74% of them among children under five (OCHA, 31/11/2014),
compared to 1,320 in 2013 (WHO, 31/08/2014).
Measles
Reports on 7 January indicate that Al Shabaab executed four people in Bardhere, in the
Gedo region, accused of spying for the United States and Ethiopia (AFP, 07/01/2015). On
11 December, following the beheading of two women by Al Shabaab, five women were
executed in a revenge attack in Bakool (AFP, 11/12/2014).
SGBV
The prevalence of gender-based violence in Somalia, including rape, is reported to be one
of the highest in the world, with IDPs and migrants the most vulnerable (IOM, 08/08/2014).
About 1,000 cases of SGBV were reported in Mogadishu in the first six months of 2014
(OCHA, 17/10/2014). On 8 September, a Human Rights Watch report stated that AU
forces have been raping and sexually exploiting women and girls in their bases in
Mogadishu, sometimes using humanitarian assistance to coerce them into sexual activities
(HRW, 08/09/2014).
Children
9,190 measles cases were recorded in 2014; double the number recorded in 2013 (OCHA,
24/11/2014, UNICEF, 01/12/2014). Only one-third of children have been vaccinated. In
some parts of south-central Somalia, measles immunisation coverage is as low as 15%
(OCHA, 24/11/2014). Increased population movement and overcrowded IDP settlements
have increased the risk of infection (UNICEF, 01/12/0214).
Polio
Children are at high risk of forced recruitment, sexual exploitation and abuse in many parts
of the country due to conflict. 4,314 cases of child exploitation and abuse have been
reported so far this year (OCHA, 30/11/2014). In Tayeeglow, Lower Shabelle, an estimated
115 children have been abducted by Al Shabaab, 80 of whom are still held. It reportedly
costs around USD 2,000 to secure the return of a child (OCHA, 21/11/2014).
Media Workers
The total number of confirmed polio cases in 2014 stands at 198 (WHO, UNICEF
22/07/2014). Large, insecure areas of south-central Somalia have not conducted
immunisation campaigns since 2009, leaving 600,000 children vulnerable, according to the
Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Education
Around 1.7 million children are out of school. In south-central Somalia, there is no
functioning national education system (OCHA, 04/12/2014).
Journalists continue to be targeted. In December, a bomb attack in Baidoa killed 15
people, including two journalists (IFJ, 15/12/2014). On 13 December, and Independent
Expert on Human Rights in Somalia called on government authorities to ensure the safety
of journalists (AMISOM, 13/12/2014).
Updated: 26/01/2014
SOUTH SUDAN CONFLICT, FLOODS, FOOD INSECURITY, DISPLACEMENT
WASH
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
2.8 million people are in need of safe water (OCHA, 04/12/2014). The population of southcentral Somalia has little to no access to safe drinking water. IDPs living in overcrowded
camps have inadequate access to safe water, hygiene, and sanitation facilities (UNICEF,
31/08/2014).
Protection
The major protection issues in Somalia are physical insecurity during the first SNAF-
8 January: Renewed fighting between SPLA and opposition forces killed 50 fighters
from both sides in an area northeast of Malakal. According to the SPLA spokesperson,
2,000 opposition fighters attacked SPLA bases and positions (VoA, 15/01/2015).
Early January: 1.7 million children and adolescents are in need of emergency
education, including 400,000 who have dropped out of school (UNICEF, 16/01/2015).
22
KEY CONCERNS
- 50,000 estimated killed in violence since December 2013 (International Crisis Group,
15/11/2014)
- 6.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2015; 4.1 million people to be
assisted by the end of 2015 (OCHA, 08/01/2015).
- From January to March 2015, 2.5 million people are projected to be in Crisis or
Emergency Phase of food insecurity, including nearly half of the population of Jonglei,
Unity, and Upper Nile (IPC, 09/2014).
- 1.5 million IDPs since December 2013 (OCHA, 01/2015). Almost 103,000 are in
UNMISS bases (UNMISS, 31/12/2014). 68% of IDPs are estimated to live in flood-prone
areas (OCHA, 08/2014).
- Over 497,000 South Sudanese refugees have moved across borders since December
2013 (UNHCR 01/2015)
- 249,000 refugees in South Sudan (mainly from Sudan, DRC, Ethiopia and CAR) are a
cause for concern.
OVERVIEW
Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Unity are priority states, and the priority sectors are food
security and livelihoods, health, NFIs and shelter, nutrition, and WASH. Insecurity is
hampering the delivery of assistance. The UN reports widespread violation of human
rights and targeted violence against civilians.
Violence has spread across eastern South Sudan since December 2013. Fighting is
most intense in the oil-rich northeastern states. Strife has progressively adopted the
characteristics of an inter-communal conflict between the Dinka tribe allied to South
Sudan President Kiir and government forces, and the Nuer loosely allied with former
South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar.
Political Context
Sudan–South Sudan
Relations between Sudan and South Sudan have been poor since South Sudan gained
independence in 2011. The violence in South Sudan since December has exacerbated
tensions, with additional concerns in Khartoum regarding an influx of refugees and arms,
as well as disruption of oil flow. In April, Sudan accused that South Sudan of using
Sudanese militia groups to fight insurgents. South Sudan made similar accusations in
return.
A UN report indicated the presence of SPLM forces in Abyei in February and March 2014,
in violation of the 2011 Agreement on Temporary Security and Administrative
Arrangements for Abyei. Pro-government Sudanese militias and Sudanese Armed Forces
have also been reported in the area.
National Context
Since violence broke out in December 2013, President Kiir’s government forces (SPLM),
who are predominantly Dinka and backed by Ugandan troops, are pitted against a loose
alliance of military defectors loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar (SPLM-inOpposition), along with ethnic Nuer militia forces.
Talks, mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East
African regional bloc, began on 3 January 2014. Both parties had accepted, in principle, a
proposal from IGAD for an interim government, pending presidential elections. On 25
August, both sides signed the Implementation Matrix for the Cessation of Hostilities, which
requires the immediate freezing of forces’ positions (IGAD, 27/08/2014). In September,
President Salva Kiir agreed to install a federal system of governance, in accordance with
SPLM-in-Opposition demands (local media). In November, the parties agreed on a
timetable, but further peace talks since have been delayed or cancelled (IGAD 10/11/2014;
local media 11/12/2014; VoA 23/12/2014).
Despite these political moves, and a significant reduction in the intensity of fighting from
January 2014, violence persists. IGAD has condemned renewed violence in Unity and
Upper Nile states, reminding the two parties respect the commitment to end all hostilities
(IGAD, 02/01/2015).
Security Context
Most violence is occurring in the oil-rich northeastern states of Unity, Upper Nile, and
Jonglei. In April–May 2014, violence between government and opposition forces escalated
in Unity and Upper Nile states. Violence decreased during the rainy season, but
recommenced at the start of the dry season, at the end of October, as mobility increased.
In January 2014, the death toll was estimated at 10,000 since violence broke out the
previous December. A new estimate indicates at least 50,000 may have died since
December 2013, although access restrictions make numbers hard to verify (International
Crisis Group, 15/11/2014). On 3 April, according to local media, representatives of the
Nuer community stated that over 17,000 Nuer had been killed by pro-government forces
since December. Over 5,900 people had sought treatment for gunshot wounds between
mid-December 2013 and 12 March 2014, according to humanitarian partners.
International Military Presence
In March, South Sudan approved the deployment of a regional force drawn from IGAD
member states. The size, mandate, command, and deployment time frame of the
contingent are still under discussion.
The UN Security Council voted on 24 December 2013 to increase the number of
peacekeepers in the country from 10,000 to 12,500.
23
Border tensions with Sudan
On 12 November, bombs were reportedly dropped in the Maban county of Upper Nile state,
which hosts over 125,000 refugees who fled fighting in neighbouring Sudan's Blue Nile
state. However, Sudan has denied the reports (AFP, 14/11/2014). On 2 November, South
Sudanese officials accused the Government of Sudan of a bombing raid in Khor Shamam
village, Raga county, Western Bahr el Ghazal state. According to the County
Commissioner, 24 people were wounded (VoA, 03/11/2014).
Clashes between the Government and SPLM-in-Opposition
Jonglei
Since early November, heavy fighting has been frequently reported in Khorfulus areas of
Canal/Pigi and Fangak counties, with displacement of tens of thousands into Ayod county
and New Fangak areas (OCHA, 07/11/2014).
Unity
Renewed fighting between government and opposition forces was reported 2–3 January
near Bentiu, killing six civilians, and the military said it was expecting another round of
attacks (Reuters, 04/01/2014). There were reports on 30 December that several rounds of
rockets landed on Unity oil fields (OCHA, 1/1/2015). Heavy fighting occurred between
government and opposition forces in Bentiu and Rubkona between 27 and 29 October. 340
civilians took shelter with UNMISS (UN News Centre, 30/10/2014). Despite a new
ceasefire, fighting resumed on 10 November (AFP, 10/11/2014).
Upper Nile
On 8 January, renewed fighting between SPLA and opposition forces killed 50
fighters from both sides in an area northeast of Malakal. According to the SPLA
spokesperson, 2,000 opposition fighters attacked SPLA bases and positions (VoA,
15/01/2015).
On 1 January, small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), and indirect fire were
reported in Nasir after intermittent small arms fire over previous days (OCHA,
1/1/2015). Fighting between opposition forces and the Government was reported on 10
November (AFP, 10/11/2014).
Inter-communal Violence
Inter-clan animosity stems from competition over water resources and grazing land.
Deaths from inter-communal fighting have increased since the second Sudanese civil war
(1983–2005), as have attacks, abductions, and population displacement.
Lakes
Inter-communal violence has been reported in Lakes state since September 2014. In
October, seven people were killed in Rumbek North county, two died in Rumbek East,
dozens were reported killed in fighting at Malek and Aguoc cattle camps – the precise
figure was disputed (local media, 25/10/2014). In November, cattle raids took place in
Cueibet, Rumbek East, and Yirol counties (OCHA, 28/11/2014; local media, 18/11/2014).
Displacement from Awerial county was reported in November (OCHA, 7/11/2014). At the
end of December, 44 fatalities were reported due to fighting in Rumbek East. UN DSS and
humanitarian agencies have restricted movements along the Rumbek–Yirol road until
further notice (OCHA, 1/1/2015).
Eastern Equatoria
In December, 24 people were killed in tribal clashes between Loroyo and Idali villages in
Torit County (local media, 09/12/2014). Over 500 people crossed into Uganda on 8
December (WFP, 11/12/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
As of 30 October, 3.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance; 3.5 million had
been reached (OCHA, 30/10/2014). The delivery of aid is restricted by heavy fighting,
logistical constraints, and administrative impediments.
Administrative Constraints
On 2 July, international media reported that authorities prevented four UN staff from taking
a plane, and confiscated their passports.
In March, the South Sudan Government announced it would implement routine searches of
UN and relief organisation convoys, claiming it had intercepted arms and ammunition in
UNMISS-contracted vehicles in Rumbek, Lakes state (UNHCR, 21/03/2014).
Logistical Constraints
The establishment of a humanitarian corridor between South Sudan and Sudan has been
approved by both Governments and will enable the delivery of food assistance by WFP
(UN, 26/08/2014).
Roads across the country are beginning to dry out, though some delays continue due
to rains and poor maintenance of roads. As of 11 January, WFP reported that road
access was impossible between GuelGuk, Mathiang, Maiwut and Pagak (Upper Nile);
Ayod and Malakal (Jonglei); Bor, Gadiang, and Akobo (Jonglei); Bor and Akobo
(Jonglei); Pochala, Boma and Narus (Jonglei); Akobo and Walgak (Jonglei).
Security Constraints
Incidents against humanitarian personnel and assets reported in 2014 included assault,
harassment and ambush in Central Equatoria, and arrest, detention, and threats in Unity
and Jonglei. In October, three contractors employed by UNMISS were seized by armed
men at Malakal airfield, Upper Nile. Two men were released, one is still missing
(UNMISS, 17/10/2014). The day before, a WFP staff member was taken at gunpoint by
eight armed men at the nearby Malakal airport (WFP, 17/10/2014).
24
Increased insecurity in Lakes led to suspension of activities by humanitarian organisations
for several weeks from October (OCHA, 20/10/2014).
Displacement
As of 31 December, over 1.44 million South Sudanese had been displaced internally and
over 488,000 South Sudanese refugees had moved across borders since December 2013
(OCHA, 31/12/2014). Fluid displacement patterns and limited access to rural areas make
numbers difficult to verify (UNHCR 11/07/2014).
Between 24 November and 16 December 2014, 3,139 South Sudanese crossed into
Uganda at the Nimule border crossing and registered as refugees. An average of 143
people were registering each day at the start of the period, increasing to 180 in the last ten
days. In late October arrival rates averaged 12 people a day. The main driver of
displacement seems to be fear of insecurity, rather than actual worsening of security
(UNHCR, 16/12/2014).
IDPs
As of 1 January 2015, 1.5 million people were displaced in South Sudan: 621,000 in
Jonglei, 345,000 in Unity, 258,600 in Upper Nile, and 158,400 in Lakes (OCHA,
01/01/2015).
An
estimated
748,000
IDPs
are
under
18
(UNICEF,
02/01/2015). Displacement patterns remain fluid, driven by violence, floods, and the search
for emergency assistance (IOM, 03/09/2014).
875,000 IDPs live in flood-prone areas (OCHA, 15/08/2014).
Heavy fighting in Khorfulus areas of Canal/Pigi and Fangak counties, Jonglei state since
early November has displaced approximately 100,000 people in northern Jonglei, primarily
in Ayod county and New Fangak areas (USAID, 5/01/2015). Of these, 2500 people fled to
Pargak in Fangak area in late November (OCHA, 5/12/2014). In early December, an
estimated 25,000 were newly displaced from New Fangak and Pigi/Canal and another
43,200 people displaced in Old Fangak town (OCHA 12/12/2014)
103,000 IDPs are sheltering in ten Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites on UNMISS
bases: 43,000 in Bentiu, 34,000 in Juba UN House, 21,000 in Malakal, and 2,600 in Bor
(UNMISS 16/01/2015). Over 21–28 December, an estimated 2,036 people arrived at the
Bentiu PoC site (OCHA, 01/01/2015).
Refugees in South Sudan
Returnees
As of 28 August, 186,000 people have returned since the beginning of the crisis: 70,000 in
Jonglei, 109,000 in Unity, and 5,000 in Northern Bahr el Ghazal (OCHA, 28/08/2014). This
is a downward revision from 227,000 returnees reported in July (OCHA, 29/07/2014).
Earlier reports indicated a total of 1.9 million returnees from Sudan since 2007.
South Sudan Refugees in Other Countries
Over 488,000 South Sudanese have sought refuge in neighbouring countries since the
onset of the conflict (UNHCR, 31/12/2014).
Sudan: 119,900 South Sudanese nationals have arrived in Sudan since 15 December
2013, with more than 2,000 registered per week in recent weeks (UNHCR, 18/01/2015).
As of late March, the Sudanese Government has refused to recognise South Sudanese
nationals as refugees and instead considers them to be Sudanese citizens (UNHCR,
03/04/2014). UNHCR has declared that this constitutes an obstacle to access to
humanitarian assistance.
Ethiopia: 194,000 South Sudanese refugees (UNHCR, 21/11/2014). The rate of arrival saw
a sharp decline in the rainy season, from an average of 2,000 per day in May to 92 in the
first week of October (WFP, 10/10/2014).
Uganda: 137,900 refugees (UNHCR, 15/01/2015).
Kenya: 45,000 refugees (UNHCR, 12/01/2015).
Food Security
The number of people in Crisis and Emergency phases (Phase 3 and 4) of food insecurity
dropped to 1 million from 3.9 million in September 2014 for October through December
2014, following normal rainfall, good conditions for crops, and humanitarian response
(FEWSNET, 11/2014).
Conflict is affecting major supply routes, displacing traders, and leading to a rise in food
and fuel prices (FAO, 04/06/2014). The country depends on food imports, and a de facto
devaluation of the national currency between 2011 and 2013, the reduction in oil exports,
and the increase in imports, all have a negative impact on households’ purchasing power.
Food Security/Pastoral Outlook
249,271 refugees are in South Sudan: 226,000 from Sudan, 15,500 from DRC, 4,900
from Ethiopia, and 2,040 from CAR. Over 132,000 refugees are based in Upper Nile and
around 85,000 in Unity (UNHCR, 14/01/2015). Most of the Sudanese refugees in Upper
Nile state reside in four refugee camps in Maban county (OCHA, 03/04/2014).
In mid-November, about 10,000 people, mostly women and children from South Kordofan,
fled fighting in the Nuba Mountains and sought shelter in Nhialdu, Unity state. They are in
need of humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 21/11/2014).
From January to March 2015, 2.5 million people are projected to be in Crisis or Emergency
Phase, including nearly half the population of the Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile (IPC,
09/2014). 890,000 will be in Phase 4 and 1.63 million in Phase 3 (IPC, 09/2014). 515,000
people will be in Phase 3 or 4 in Jonglei; 525,000 in Unity; 530,000 in Upper Nile; 320,000
in Northern Bahr el Ghazal; 200,000 in Lakes; 145,000 in Warrap; 80,000 in Eastern
Equatoria; 20,000 in Western Bahr el Ghazal, 180,000 in Central Equatoria (IPC, 09/2014).
25
Renewed conflict and displacement in early 2015 will limit the coping capacity of
households in conflict-affected areas. Food security is expected to worsen in February
–March, with an early onset of the lean season, and needs will peak from May to July
(FEWSNET, 11/2014).
Livestock are moving into agricultural areas, rather than conflict-affected pastoral zones.
This has destroyed crops, and heightens the risk of livestock disease transmission,
increases competition for natural resources, and is likely to have an impact on local power
structures (FAO, 12/2014).
Health and Nutrition
5.8 million people need health assistance, 3.4 million of whom have been reached since
January. Waterborne diseases in flooded areas, as well as kala azar (visceral
leishmaniasis) in Jonglei, are the most pressing health concerns (WHO, 10/2014).
Cholera
6,421 cholera cases, including 167 deaths (case fatality rate 2.6%), had been reported
across the country as of 2 December, more than two-thirds in Eastern Equatoria and
Upper Nile (UNICEF, 02/12/2014; UNICEF, 12/08/2014). No new cases have been reported
since 23 November 2014 (WHO, 02/01/2014).
Hepatitis E
One new hepatitis E virus case was reported from Mingkaman IDP settlement in the first
week of December 2014. The cumulative caseload in Mingkaman for 2014 is 128, including
four deaths (CFR 3.23%) (WHO, 28/12/2014).
26
Visceral Leishmaniasis
By end November, 7,204 cases of kala azar (visceral leishmaniasis) and 199 deaths had
been recorded in 2014, compared to 2,992 cases and 88 deaths for all 2013 (WHO,
08/01/2015). No new cases have been reported since end November. The worst-affected
age group is 5–17 years, which constitutes 42.4% of the cases (WHO, 30/11/2014).
An outbreak was reported in Akobo and Nyirol counties, Jonglei, which are controlled by
opposition forces, in early September. 3,410 cases had been reported in Lankien, 960 in
Cuil, and 581 in Walgak, Jonglei state by end October (OCHA, 30/10/2014). Kala azar is a
chronic and potentially fatal parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of infected sandflies
(Sudan Tribune, 07/09/2014).
WASH
Water supplies were reportedly insufficient in a quarter of displacement sites. Health
partners have reported an over 5% increase in diarrhoeal diseases due to the disruption of
sanitation and hygiene campaigns in the PoC sites (OCHA, 14/11/2014).
In 40% of sites, IDPs rely on unimproved or surface water sources (IOM
15/07/2014). Water access in the Bentiu PoC site was 13.2L per person in early January
2015 (OCHA, 02/01/2015). Latrine provision has improved from 99 to 69 persons per
latrine (UNICEF, 20/11/2014).
Shelter and NFIs
Living conditions in the PoC site in Malakal are dire, with two families (eight people) living
in one tent, for lack of space for additional tents (OCHA, 26/10/2014).
Maternal Health
200,000 pregnant women were estimated to need urgent care in 2014; 30,000 of them at
risk of dying of complications (UNFPA, 15/05/2014).
Bad road conditions and insecurity in Jalhak (Upper Nile) is delaying the delivery of NFI
support to the area (OCHA, 26/10/2014).
Education
Nutrition
The screening of over 600,000 children across the country in 2014 found an SAM rate of
6.7% and an MAM rate of 12.6% (UNICEF, 19/08/2014). 675,000 children are estimated to
be moderately malnourished and 235,000 severely malnourished (OCHA, 29/07/2014).
Twice as many will need treatment for SAM this year than in 2013 (UNICEF 15/07/2014).
GAM levels are above the emergency threshold of 15% (IPC, 27/10/2014). The highest
rates GAM were recorded in Leer county (34.1%) and Panyijar (32.8%), Unity state; Akobo
East, Jonglei State (31.8%) and Uror (27%), Jonglei; and Aweil South, Northern Bahr el
Ghazal (26.1%) (UNICEF, 20/11/2014). According to MSF, malnutrition rates skyrocketed
in parts of Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei states after the conflict began in December.
Polio
Two vaccine-derived polio virus cases have been confirmed in Bentiu Protection of
Civilans (PoC) site (WHO, 03/11/2014).
1.7 million children and adolescents are in need of emergency education, including
400,000 who have dropped out of school (UNICEF, 16/01/2015).
Children are not attending school in 70% of IDP sites (CCCM, 17/04/2014). The inability to
pay teachers’ wages has limited education activities in displacement areas (OCHA,
26/10/2014). Many schools remain closed in Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile. 94 schools
have been occupied by armed groups or IDPs (OCHA, 15/01/2014).
In Warrap state, 60 schools are reportedly occupied by IDPs displaced by flooding, while
271 schools in the state were destroyed (OCHA, 07/11/2014). Flooding forced 500 children
out of school in Mvolo county, Western Equatoria state (OCHA, 21/11/2014). Six schools
were closed in October in Rumbek East, Lakes state, due to insecurity (OCHA,
30/10/2014).
Protection
27
Children
A new report by the UN Security Council suggests that all parties to the conflict since
December 2013 are responsible for grave violations against children in 2014, including
killing and maiming, recruitment and use, abduction, and rape and other forms of sexual
violence (UN, 30/12/2014). 12,000 children were reportedly recruited by armed groups in
2014 (AFP cited UNICEF, 14/12/2014).
UNICEF has identified over 5,830 unaccompanied and separated children since the conflict
began in December 2013 (UNICEF, 02/09/2014).
SGBV
UNFPA estimates that 25,000 women and girls are at risk of sexual violence (UNFPA,
7/11/2014). According to the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict,
rape has been used as a weapon of war between government and opposition forces
(international media, 23/10/2014). Early and forced marriage, rape, and domestic violence
have been reported in Maban refugee camps (Batil, Doro, Gendrassa and Kaya) (OCHA,
16/10/2014). In Melut (Upper Nile), firewood collection remains a major safety concern for
women and girls, with reports of GBV in the area (OCHA, 26/10/2014). Escalated tension
in Malakal has increased vulnerability of women and girls to SGBV and interrupted access
to reproductive health services and psychosocial support services (UNFPA, 07/11/2014).
Updated: 19/01/2014
SUDAN CONFLICT, FOOD INSECURITY, EPIDEMIC, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
25 January: SPLM-N shot at a WFP helicopter, east of Kadugli, South Kordofan, forcing
it to land. SPLM-N stated that six crew members are unhurt and ready for immediate
release (local media).
20 January: A hospital operated by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Frandala, South
Kordofan, was directly targeted and bombed by the Sudanese Air Force (SAF). One
staff member and one patient were injured. All medical activities were suspended
(MSF).
20 January: An outbreak of measles in the eastern Gedarif and Kassale states reports
593 confirmed cases in twelve localities, the majority being children under five years
(UNICEF, 20/01/2014).
14 January: A national staff member working for an international NGO was abducted by
armed men in Nyala, South Darfur (OCHA, 22/01/2015)
January: Fighting in El Fasher, Shangil Tobaya, Tawila, and Um Baru regions of North
Darfur and Jebel Marra has led to large-scale displacement. 20,712 newly displaced
have been verified, with an additional 54,742 reported but not verified (OCHA,
22/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- Protracted insurgencies by armed groups are occurring across Darfur, and South
Kordofan, and Blue Nile states. The conflict in South Sudan has also raised tensions.
- 6.6 million people (20% of the population) need humanitarian assistance (OCHA
17/11/2014): 4.4 million in Darfur and 980,000 in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states
(OCHA, 11/2014).
- 2 million children under five acutely malnourished (OCHA, 08/2014).
- Renewed fighting took place between armed opposition groups, militias, and the
Sudanese army in Darfur since March.
- 3.1 million IDPs. Two million in Darfur prior to the latest clashes (OCHA, 03/2014), and
431,000 displaced in 2014 (OCHA, 10/2014).
- Humanitarian access remains a significant problem due to insecurity, mines and
explosive remnants of war (ERW), logistical constraints, and restrictions placed by the
authorities.
OVERVIEW
Several regions of Sudan are facing large-scale internal displacement due to violence,
widespread food insecurity, malnutrition, lack of access to basic services, and recurrent
natural disasters. Humanitarian access to conflict zones is severely restricted.
Numerous, protracted insurgencies are being waged by several armed groups across
Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile. Darfur has been the scene of inter-communal
clashes and conflict between the government and armed opposition for over a decade,
and fighting intensified in March 2014. Violence in Blue Nile and South Kordofan grew
significantly after South Sudan won independence in 2011. Tensions also continue to run
high between Sudan and South Sudan.
Political Context
Profound divisions within Sudanese society have persisted since independence in 1956,
and the Government’s exploitation of intercommunal differences has aggravated the
situation.
Parliamentary and presidential elections are scheduled for 13 April (AFP, 31/12/2015). On
11 January, President Omar al Bashir launched his bid for re-election. It is unclear whether
anyone will challenge Bashir (AFP, 11/01/2015). Both the Sudan Revolutionary Front and
the National Umma Party have announced they will not participate in the elections.
On 17 May, the head of the National Umma Party was arrested for treason after allegedly
criticising the Government’s abuse of civilians in Darfur. In September, 12 political
activists were detained in Khartoum (local media, 28/09/2014).
Sudan–South Sudan
Tensions between Khartoum and Juba, persistent since South Sudan’s independence in
2011, increased when violence erupted in South Sudan in December 2013. The disruption
of oil flow is a key concern for both countries.
The Sudanese Government has accused Juba of using Sudanese militia groups. The
South Sudanese army (SPLA) has accused Khartoum of supporting the Sudan People’s
Liberation Movement (SPLM)-in-Opposition. Both the opposition and Khartoum denied this
accusation.
In November, South Sudanese officials accused the Sudanese Government of bombing
Raga county, Western Bahr el Ghazal state, and Maban county, Upper Nile state, where
more than 220,000 Sudanese refugees are living (AFP, 14/11/2014).
Sudan Revolutionary Front
The Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF), formed in 2011, is seeking a comprehensive peace
process covering the whole country. The Government is only willing to discuss the conflict
in Darfur.
The SRF is made up of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), mainly
active in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states, as well as Darfur’s three largest opposition
groups: the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM); the Sudan Liberation Movement led by
Abdel Wahid Al Nur (SLM-AW); and the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Minni Arkou
Minnawi (SLM-MM).
SRF has said it is ready to join the national dialogue with Khartoum and enhance its
cooperation with the UN–AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), provided the Government lifts
the state of emergency and allows unimpeded humanitarian access to war zones. To date,
no settlement has yet taken place.
The Darfur Peace Process
The Darfur peace process is stalled, and does not include the SRF members, SLM-MM,
SLM-AW, or JEM, who have consistently rejected the Doha process.
Blue Nile and South Kordofan States
Sudan Peace Agreement (ESPA) was signed. But some factions within the Eastern Front,
the alliance that signed the agreement, claim they wish to join the SRF because of
Khartoum’s alleged failure to implement the core elements of the ESPA. The government is
reportedly allowing local militias to arm, and boosting support to Arab tribes.
Security Context
Extensive military operations aimed to end armed opposition in Darfur, South Kordofan,
and Blue Nile began at the end of 2013. On 11 April, local media reported that the
Sudanese Defence Minister had stated that continued armed opposition would be crushed
by a military offensive in 2014.Tribal fighting has also intensified during the last two years
in Darfur and Kordofan regions, leading to thousands of deaths and injuries and forcing
over 300,000 people to flee their homes.
On 30 November, President Omar al-Bashir called for a “clear programme” for the exit of
the UNAMID mission in Darfur, saying that the peacekeepers have become a burden.
Relations deteriorated following the Sudanese Government’s refusal to allow a UNAMID
investigation of mass rape in Tabit, North Darfur (AFP, 30/11/2014).
Armed Conflict and Violence in Darfur
Security in Darfur has reportedly deteriorated significantly since late December 2013, with
almost daily air strikes from the Sudanese Air Force (SAF). Attacks on IDPs and villagers,
their shelters, and commercial convoys, are frequent. IDPs in camps across Darfur have
requested protection (local sources, 12/03/2014).
In early January, 15 villages were burned and another 30 abandoned during fighting
between government forces and armed groups in Tawila locality, North Darfur, with
thousands displaced (OCHA, 08/01/2015; local media, 06/01/2015). On 14 January 2015,
the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continued raids on villages in
Tawila and Um Baru in North Darfur, reportedly plundering goods and large numbers of
livestock (local media, 15/01/2015).
Raids and attacks by pro-government forces were reported in Zamzam camp, Um
Keddada, Liwi and Anka (North Darfur); El Salam and Kalma camp (South Darfur), and
Deilig town (Central Darfur) in September and October 2014 (OCHA, 26/10/2014; local
media, 13/10/2014, 29/10/2014, 23/10/2014, 14/10/2014, 5/09/2014). In Central Darfur, progovernment forces reportedly attacked displacement sites in Zalingei, Kailik, and Niertitiin
April, May, and June. Over ten people were killed, according to local media.
Instability in the East
Jebel Marra: In early January, government and opposition forces were reported to be
fighting for control over Jebel Marra region. According to the army, Sudanese troops had
driven insurgents out of the Fanga area in the Jebel Marra region on 1 January, killing at
least 50 opposition fighters and destroying 50 vehicles. SLMM denied these reports (AFP,
2/1/2015). 21 villages in Fanga, Northern Jebel Marra, Central Darfur, have been attacked
and burned by armed groups. Up to 50,000 people could have been displaced, according to
community leaders (OCHA, 08/01/2015).
Despite being home to the largest gold mine in the country and Port Sudan, where all
Sudan’s oil exports transit, east Sudan is one of the poorest regions. In 2006, the Eastern
Air raids were frequently reported in August, September, October 2014. Aerial bombing
was also reported in March and May 2014.
While the SPLM governs the independent South Sudan, the SPLM-North continues an
insurgency in Sudan’s Blue Nile and South Kordofan states, which have routinely opposed
government rule. Talks between Khartoum and the SPLM-N have repeatedly failed, and
negotiations last collapsed in April, reportedly over the SPLM-N’s demand for a
comprehensive peace process.
28
29
Inter-communal violence: In late November, several days of fighting over land among
the Misseriya left more than 133 people dead in the oil-rich West Kordofan region (AFP,
27/11/2014). According to Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), 14,000 people
are estimated displaced and may require humanitarian assistance. An assessment with the
UN has been planned (OCHA, 17/12/2014).
August 2013 regulations ban foreign humanitarian groups and UN agencies from working
for human rights, and the Government has banned humanitarian access to areas controlled
by opposition groups.
Clashes between the Misseriya and the Salamat tribes in Central Darfur in June left at
least 130 people dead, according to local media. Clashes between Misseriya clans in West
Darfur left 196 people dead (OCHA, 22/06/2014). In East Darfur, at least 300 were killed in
clashes between Maaliya and Rizeigat (local media, 20/08/2014).
On 25 January, SPLM-N shot at a WFP helicopter, east of Kadugli, South Kordofan,
forcing it to land. SPLM-N stated that six crew members are unhurt and ready for
immediate release (local media, 26/01/2015). On 20 January, a hospital operated by
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Frandala, South Kordofan, was directly targeted
and bombed by SAF. One staff member and one patient were injured. All medical
activities have been suspended (MSF, 22/01/2015). On 14 January, a national staff
member working for an international NGO was abducted by armed men in Nyala,
South Darfur (OCHA, 22/01/2015).
Armed Violence and Conflict in Kordofan and Blue Nile
Information on Blue Nile and South Kordofan states is difficult to obtain as government
authorities severely restrict access to the fighting zone. The Sudanese Government
announced that it would expand its counter-insurgency operations in Blue Nile state on 23
May. According to an SPLM-N spokesperson on 21 April, the SAF had launched an
offensive in North Kordofan. Bombings had reportedly intensified in the region at the end of
May. Aerial bombardments took place in South Kordofan in late September and early
October (OCHA, 22/10/2014). On 23 November, the Sudanese Air Force bombed areas in
El Kurmuk locality, Blue Nile state, killing one child (local media, 25/11/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
6.6 million people (20% of the population) are in need of humanitarian assistance; more
than half are in Darfur and South Kordofan and Blue Nile states (OCHA 17/11/2014).
In October, 4.4 million people in Darfur, more than half of the region’s population, needed
humanitarian assistance (OCHA). This includes 2.4million IDPs, 1.9 million non-displaced
severely affected by violence, and 136,000 returnees or refugees from neighbouring
countries.
In South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, 940,000 need assistance in government-controlled
areas (OCHA), and 540,000 are estimated displaced by conflict in SPLM-N territory.
Limited access to non-government areas makes verification impossible.
Access
Humanitarian access for international relief organisations is a major problem. Humanitarian
operations are heavily hampered by insecurity, the presence of mines and ERW, logistical
constraints, and government restrictions. The number of humanitarian aid workers in
Darfur declined from 6,850 in November 2013 to 5,440 in August 2014 (OCHA,
17/11/2014).
In late December 2014, the Government of Sudan declared the UN Resident Coordinator
and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) and UNDP Country Director persona non grata.
The deadline for the RC/HC's departure has been extended until the end of January (UN,
31/12/2014).
Security Incidents Involving Aid Workers
25 aid workers were abducted in Darfur in 2014, the highest number of abduction
cases recorded since 2004 (OCHA, 22/01/2015).
Darfur
East Jebel Marra region has been virtually inaccessible since 2010. Access to IDPs in
Darfur is constrained by militia checkpoints and insecurity.
Blue Nile and South Kordofan
The Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commission banned international staff from UN agencies
and international NGOs from participating in an inter-agency multi-cluster needs
assessment in Blue Nile state in November (local media, 19/10/2014). There has been no
humanitarian access from Sudan to opposition-held areas in South Kordofan since October
2013.
Disasters
Floods
As of 11 September, 277,000 people were affected by heavy rains and flooding (OCHA,
14/09/2014). Earlier figures indicate 70,000 affected in Blue Nile state, 32,000 in Khartoum,
22,000 in North Darfur, 19,000 in South Kordofan, 19,000 in River Nile, 18,000 in North
Kordofan, 18,000 in White Nile, 14,000 in Kassala, 13,000 in Sennar, 11,000 in Al Gezira,
8,000 in Northern, and 6,000 in West Darfur (OCHA, 24/08/2014).
Winter
The Sudanese Weather Forecast Authority has warned populations to take precautions
against cold weather. A strong, two-week-long cold wave has been forecast to begin midJanuary. Displaced populations, children, and older people in North, West and South
Darfur are particularly vulnerable, due to shortages of medicines and food, and weak
shelters (local media, 8/01/2015). At least ten people, including six children, died in Sudan
between 5 and 11 January, local media reported, citing an IDP organisation. Most of the
people killed by the cold were newly displaced people in Darfur who fled fighting around the
Jebel Marra region, according to a spokesperson for the Darfur Displaced and Refugees
Association (OCHA, 15/01/2015).
Displacement
IDPs in Darfur
Overall, 2.4 million IDPs reside in 46 camps and 68 settlements in Darfur (82,530 orphans,
34,099 widows, and 52,352 sick and elderly), according to a survey conducted by the
Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) from December 2013 to April 2014.
457,000 people were displaced in Darfur January–December 2014: 316,000 remain
displaced and 141,000 people reportedly returned (OCHA 31/12/2014). The first half of
2014 saw more displaced in Darfur than in any year since 2004 (OCHA 20/07/2014). On 22
June, OCHA reported that government policy, preventing the creation of new camps, is an
obstacle for IOM’s verification and registration of IDPs.
Fighting in El Fasher, Shangil Tobaya, Tawila, and Um Baru regions of North Darfur
and Jebel Marra has led to large-scale displacement. 20,712 newly displaced have
been verified in North Darfur, with an additional 54,742 reported but not verified
displaced people in North and Central Darfur, including Jebel Marra regions (OCHA,
22/01/2015).
North Darfur: 107,000 IDPs; 124,000 returnees in 2014 (OCHA 31/12/2014). 729 villages
were destroyed December 2013–April 2014 (DRA cited by local media 16/07/2014). On 21
September, it was reported that militia in Kutum locality are imposing protection fees on
displaced farmers (local media, 21/09/2014). OCHA verified 20,712 newly displaced in
North Darfur: 1,338 had arrived in Rwanda camp; 5,940 in Shagra A, B, C, Behair, Um
Hajaleed; 4,587 in Tawila town; 4,506 in Argo camp; 3,893 in Um Baru UNAMID team
site; and 448 in Nifasha camp (OCHA, 22/01/2015).
South Darfur: 105,000 IDPs (OCHA 31/12/2014); 736 villages were destroyed December
2013–April 2014 (DRA cited by local media 16/07/2014).
Central Darfur: 68,000 IDPs; 5,000 returnees in 2014 (OCHA 31/12/2014); 778 villages
were destroyed December 2013–April 2014 (DRA cited by local media 16/07/2014). Some
50,000 IDPs are thought to have fled to Wara and Niscam villages in January, according to
estimates by community leaders (OCHA, 08/01/2015). Over 1,700 people fled to central
Jebel Marra locality and are in need of food, water, health services, and NFIs (OCHA,
08/01/2015).
East Darfur: 35,000 IDPs as of end of November (OCHA, 31/12/2014); 331 villages
destroyed December 2013–April 2014 (DRA cited by local media 16/07/2014).By 16
September, community leaders reported that fighting between the Maaliya and Rizeigat
tribes had led to the displacement of some 55,000 people (11,000 families) in Adila locality.
Many people are taking shelter with host families. Women widowed by the conflict
arereportedly vulnerable to exploitation (OCHA, 21/09/2014).
West Darfur: 1,300 IDPs were reported by OCHA in December 2014, in stark contrast
with earlier local government figure of 373,000 (OCHA, 07/09/2014; DRA cited by local
media 16/07/2014).
Jebel Marra: An estimated 100,000 people displaced or severely affected by conflict
(OCHA, 14/08/2014).
Blue Nile and South Kordofan: In South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, 540,000 are
estimated displaced by conflict in SPLM-N territory (OCHA, 17/11/2014).With no presence
in SPLM-N controlled areas, the UN is unable to verify these figures (OCHA, 19/05/2014).
According to the HAC in South Kordofan, a large but unknown number of displaced people
are expected to arrive in Kadugli, El Abassiya, Rashad, Talodi and Gadier localities from
areas controlled by SPLM-N due to fighting (08/01/2015). Between November 2014 and
mid-January 2015, 820 new displaced people from SPLM-N areas sought shelter in
government-controlled areas of South Kordofan (OCHA, 22/01/2015). In early January,
the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) warned that ongoing fighting between
Government forces and SPLM-N in parts of South and West Kordofan states could lead to
a massive civilian influx of up to 145,000 from SPLM-N areas into large towns of South
Kordofan.
West Kordofan: Violence has displaced 12,720 people to Babanusa town and El Udaiyat
village; 21,000 people to Debab village and Muglad town; and 11,500 people to El Salam
locality. 7,400 people in Ghubaysh locality fled conflict in North Darfur (OCHA,
21/09/2014).
Refugees in Sudan
As of 22 January 2015, more than 120,000 South Sudanese nationals had arrived in
Sudan since 15 December 2013, with more than 2,000 registered per week (UNHCR). An
estimated 66,000 refugees live in White Nile, 31,000 in Khartoum, 14,000 in South
Kordofan, 3,800 in West Kordofan, 3600 in Blue Nile area (UNHCR, 15/01/2015). An
estimated 347,000 people of South Sudanese origin are in Sudan (OCHA, 30/04/2014).
6,800 displaced South Sudanese are living in the disputed area of Abyei (OCHA,
17/12/2014).
In White Nile, arrival rates increased from 500–600 people per week to around 1,000 in
September, due to a surge in violence in South Sudan (ECHO, 23/09/2014). 71% of all
individuals registered in White Nile so far are children (UNHCR, 16/12/2014). All sites in
White Nile state are currently beyond capacity. Access for aid workers remains a concern
(ECHO, 23/09/2014).
On 1 June, Sudan was hosting 157,000 refugees, mainly from Eritrea, with smaller
numbers from Chad, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan, according to February UNHCR
figures. On 12 October, UNHCR reported 1,700 refugees from CAR in Nyala, South Darfur.
These refugees will be relocated to Um Shalaya refugee camp in Central Darfur (OCHA,
15/10/2014). In late November, it was confirmed that refugees from CAR had arrived in Um
Dafug in May-June this year (OCHA, 23/11/2014).
Returnees
6,000 Sudanese have returned from CAR to Um Dafug town, South Darfur. Needs include
30
registration and verification, and health and WASH services (OCHA, 23/11/2014).
5,000 refugees were reported by SKBNCU to have returned to Blue Nile from Ethiopia and
South Sudan in August. Returnees from South Sudan were fleeing violence in Maban.
Returning refugees also reported looking for opportunities for cultivation and income
generation (OCHA, 22/10/2014).
Sudanese Refugees in Other Countries
As of 31 May, OCHA reported that there were 352,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad,
216,000 in South Sudan, 33,000 in Ethiopia, and 5,000 in Central African Republic.
Food Security
Harvests continue to improve food availability country-wide. Harvests in North and West
Darfur are above-average due to good rains and increased cultivation in some areas. The
preliminary findings of the joint Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission (CFSAM)
estimates that 2014/15 national production will be 50%above the five-year average. Staple
food prices in most markets continue to decline, increasing access to markets for poor
households. From October to November, sorghum, millet and local wheat prices decreased
by 8% to 30%in most markets (FEWSNET, 12/2014).
Despite improvements, the food security of displaced populations in South Kordofan, Blue
Nile, Darfur, and West Kordofan have been limited by conflict which continues to constrain
access to cultivation, labour, income generating activities, and markets. Stressed (IPC
Phase 2) and Crisis (IPC Phase 3) acute food insecurity will persist among IDP
households in areas worst-affected by conflict (FEWSNET, 12/2014).
since late August: 20 cases were confirmed as dengue, including three fatalities (OCHA,
17/11/2014).
Leishmaniasis
366 cutaneous leishmaniasis cases have been confirmed in South Kordofan, with 644
suspected cases in inaccessible areas. Cutaneous leishmaniasisis endemic in Abu
Kershola and El Leri areas due to the presence of sand flies (OCHA, 23/11/2014).
Measles
An outbreak of measles in the eastern Gedarif and Kassale States has reported 593
confirmed cases in twelve localities, the majority being children under five years
(UNICEF, 20/01/2014).
Nutrition
Two million children under five were acutely malnourished as of 30 September, an upward
revision from 1.4 million at the beginning of August (OCHA, 15/10/2014). 500,000 are
expected to suffer from SAM in 2014 (OCHA, 24/08/2014).
WASH
WASH support to schools in relocation sites in White Nile state remains critical; no water
is currently available (UNHCR, 05/12/2014). In the Al Alagaya relocation site for South
Sudanese refugees in White Nile state, the construction of 800 latrines has been delayed
due to lack of space, despite the allocation of resources and staff (OCHA, 17/11/2014).
South Kordofan and Blue Nile
Shelter
As many as 125,000 people (25,000 families) have been unable to cultivate any essential
crops due to fighting (in addition to those who already were severely constrained by lack of
seeds, tools, family labour, and access to farmland), and will likely face deteriorating food
security in2015 (OCHA, 22/10/2014).
Health and Nutrition
The UN estimated in mid-December 2013 that 165,000 children in SPLM-N-controlled parts
of South Kordofan and Blue Nile do not have access to basic health services. Health
clinics in El Redis and Al Alagaya relocation sites, White Nile state have reported a
shortage of drugs. In El Redis clinic, lack of lighting, refrigeration, and an ambulance,
severely hinder the delivery of health (OCHA, 17/11/2014).
There are indications that the health situation in Darfur is deteriorating; many have no
access to healthcare. Local reports indicate that schistosomiasis, visceral leishmaniasis,
scabies, and ringworm have increased since 2012.
Dengue
WHO and the State Ministry of Health reported that between 28 August and 14 December
2014, 132 cases (three deaths) of haemorrhagic fever had been registered in North Darfur
43,000 houses are reported to have been destroyed by floods since July (OCHA,
24/08/2014). On 3 October, heavy rains and strong winds damaged 700 tents in Kalma IDP
camp in South Darfur (local media). On 7 October, heavy rainfall damaged 200 homes (150
shelters and 50 houses) at the Hassahissa camp in Central Darfur (local media,
10/10/2014).
Education
In White Nile state, poor incentives for community teachers interrupt refugees’ education.
Many classrooms are occupied by refugees due to lack of alternative space (UNHCR,
14/11/2014). Overcrowding remains a concern in relocation sites in White Nile state
(UNHCR, 05/12/2014). According to local media in July, insecurity in Darfur is affecting
the supply of teaching staff, with thousands of teachers in Nyala, requesting transfers. In
North Darfur, IDP camps in Saraf Omra locality lack educational services, and IDP
children cannot afford to fees to attend public or private schools in the area.
Protection
A recent review of UNAMID in Darfur has revealed that the peacekeeping force
31
intentionally sought to cover up crimes against civilians and peacekeepers (UN News
Service, 29/10/2014).
Mines and ERW
250 locations covering an estimated 32km2 are contaminated by mines and ERW, with the
greatest concentrations in Kassala, Gedaref, Red Sea, Blue Nile, South Kordofan, and
Darfur (UNMAS). South Kordofan is the most heavily mined area of Sudan, according to
the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor.
Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Numerous rapes have been reported by local media in North, South and Central Darfur and
Jebel Marrasince March. Reports in early November suggested that more than 200 women
and girls had been raped by Sudanese soldiers in Tabit area in North Darfur. Sudanese
troops denied UNAMID access to assess the situation (Reuters, 17/11/2014).Between 1
July and mid-August, 45 people, women and girls, were raped in East Jebel Marra (local
media, 18/09/2014). Between mid-July and 25 September, at least 30 cases of rape were
reported across Darfur (local media).
Legal Status
As of late March, the Sudanese Government refuses to recognise South Sudanese
nationals as refugees and instead considers them to be Sudanese citizens (UNHCR,
03/04/2014). All foreigners in Sudan had to register with the immigration administration by
1 April. UNHCR has declared this constitutes an obstacle to humanitarian assistance.
Updated: 27/01/2014
CAMEROON FOOD INSECURITY, EPIDEMIC, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
19 January: Boko Haram (BH) abducted 80 people – three were killed – in the Far North
region (19/01/2015).
14 January: Chad pledged military support for Cameroon against Boko Haram (Daily
Mail, 14/01/2015).
11 January: At least 143 BH fighters were killed by the Cameroonian army as they
attacked a military camp in the town of Kolotafa, Far North region (Reuters,
13/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- 2.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 17/12/2014).
- 134,106 refugees have arrived and been registered from CAR since January 2014
(UNHCR, 28/12/2014).
- Cameroon hosts approximately 48,000 Nigerian refugees (UNHCR, 30/12/2014).
- The 2011–2012 drought impact continues, with 615,000 people in the north at risk of
food insecurity and malnutrition (WFP, 2014).
Overview
Conflict in both Nigeria and CAR continues to displace vulnerable refugees to
Cameroon, and the spillover from the Boko Haram conflict in Nigeria in particular
threatens security in Cameroon. 2.1 million people, 10 % of the population, are in need
of humanitarian assistance, primarily in the Far North, North, Adamawa, and East
regions (OCHA, 17/12/2014).
Security Context
Boko Haram Attacks
The armed Islamist group Boko Haram (BH), based in Nigeria, has intensified attacks in
neighbouring Cameroon since end December 2014 and the beginning of dry season
(ECHO, 06/01/2015). The number of security incidents had already increased drastically
over 2013–2014, as BH targeted new villages with increasingly sophisticated weapons
taken from the Nigerian army (UNICEF, 08/2014). In July alone, BH launched attacks on
seven towns in northern Cameroon and late December saw further attacks by the militant
group across five towns and villages (AlJazeera, 29/12/2014). Authorities in the Far North
region have imposed a curfew and banned vehicle and motorcycle movement at night
(IRIN, 15/08/2014). While attacks are still concentrated in the Far North region, they have
spread southward. BH began its campaign of armed violence in northeastern Nigeria in
2009.
Cameroon has deployed around 2,000 soldiers in the north (AFP, 20/11/2014). Hundreds
were killed in fighting in October and November. In early December, following reports of
increasing recruitment of Cameroonian youth into BH, Cameroon announced it will recruit
20,000 more defence and security forces to fight the militants (VoA, 02/12/2014). The
United States has announced it will supply equipment and logistics training to the
Cameroonian military to aid the campaign (VoA, 12/12/2014).
At the end of December, BH sent up to 1,000 fighters across the border into Cameroon. It
took control of the military base in Achigachia and five villages in the Far North region,
prompting Cameroon’s first airstrike against BH (BBC, 29/12/2014). In mid-December,
hundreds of BH crossed into Far North region from Lake Chad, ransacking towns and
villages and stealing livestock. BH also attacked military vehicles in Amchide, also in Far
North region (Reuters, 18/12/2014; VoA, 13/12/2014).
The Chadian Government pledged to support Cameroon in fighting BH after a cross-border
raid by BH against a military base in the northern town of Kolofata on 12 January (Daily
Mail, 14/01/2015).
32
Recent Incidents
Refugees from the Central African Republic
At least 80 people were kidnapped and three killed in a cross-border raid on 18
January, with 24 hostages subsequently freed (Aljazeera, 19/01/2015). On 11 January,
at least 143 BH fighters were killed during an attack on a military camp in Cameroon
(Reuters, 13/01/2015). On 3 January, Boko Haram attacked a bus in the department of
Logone-et-Chari, killing at least 11 people and injuring ten (VOA, 03/01/2015).
As of 12 December, 241,469 CAR refugees are in Cameroon: 134,000 have arrived since
January 2014 (WFP, 18/22/2014). At least 17,670 third-country nationals and returnees
have also arrived (UNHCR, 07/2014 and IOM, 25/07/2014). But the border is open and
extensive, and there are refugees who cross without being registered.
CAR Crisis
The security situation is unstable in East region due to the conflict in CAR. Armed violence
between anti-balaka militia from CAR and Cameroonian forces in late November, caused
displacement. Frequent security incidents led to the closure of the CAR–Cameroon border
over 19–27 November (OCHA, 04/12/2014; local media, 21/11/2014). As of early
December, the humanitarian situation continued to deteriorate in the border area.
Humanitarian Context and Needs
2.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 17/12/2014).
Access
The limited number of humanitarian actors involved in the response in the Far North
has made comprehensive humanitarian intervention almost impossible.
Logistical Constraints
The delivery of aid is complicated by the low presence of humanitarian actors in Cameroon
(OCHA, 17/12/2014).
Bad road conditions delay the provision of assistance.
Congestion at the port in Douala delayed the arrival of food and has impacted its delivery
to CAR refugees (WFP, 17/09/2014).
Security Constraints
The deterioration of the security situation has made access to the Far North extremely
difficult. UN agencies have only been undertaking priority activities such as assisting
refugees and some host communities, according to WFP (IRIN, 15/08/2014).
There were reports in November of several thousands of Nigerian refugees stranded at the
border (ECHO, 25/11/2014).
Displacement
As of September, there are 291,000 refugees in Cameroon (OCHA, UNHCR, and partners,
09/2014). As attacks increase, population displacements toward central Cameroon (OCHA,
06/01/2015). It is estimated that due to the increment of recent attacks, 50,000 people
have been displaced in the Northern regions (OCHA, 14/01/2015).
In January 2015, it was reported that the influx of CAR refugees has dropped from 10,000
per week to 8,000. The drop in numbers has been attributed to the dire physical condition
of CAR refugees preventing them reaching the border (VoA, 06/01/2015).
MSF said in August that most new arrivals are in critical need of medical attention (VOA,
13/08/2014).
Close to 60% of newly arrived refugees are children, 20% of whom are under five years of
age. 96% of refugees are Muslim. The refugees are spread across the East (95,075),
Adamawa (23,060), Douala (3,820), Yaounde (3,540), and the North (3,540) (UNHCR,
31/08/2014).
59,160 refugees have been transferred to sites. In the East: 10,750 in Lolo, 17,540 in
Gado, 9,700 in Mbilé, 5,900 in Timangolo, and 760 in Ngari-Singo. In Adamawa: 11,380 in
Borgop and 3,120 in Ngam (UNHCR, 19/09/2014).
In most locations, the number of refugees and third-country nationals exceeds the local
population. Host communities and refugees are competing over already inadequate
resources and living conditions have become very difficult for host communities (FAO,
11/12/2014).
Security is a concern: local authorities reported the presence of armed anti-balaka in the
village of Diel, and have doubled the number of soldiers guarding the border and patrolling
the village (UNHCR, 22/08/2014).
Refugees from Nigeria
48,000 Nigerians are estimated to have fled to northern Cameroon over the past year
(OCHA, 06/01/2015). As of September, 18,475 Nigerian refugees have been registered in
the Far North region, primarily in the districts of Mayo Tsanaga (7,685), Mayo-Sava
(1,966), and Logone-et-Chari (8,824). Another 1,530 refugees are in the Southwest region
(UNHCR, 09/2014).
24,563 refugees have been registered in Minawao camp, in the Far North region (ECHO,
25/11/2014; ECHO, 06/01/2015). The camp’s population was 6,000 in August, and its
maximum capacity is 15,000. The population has grown rapidly as insecurity in border
areas has increased, and services in the camp are under severe strain (UNHCR cited by
IRIN 06/10/2014; AFP, 15/11/2014; FAO, 05/11/2014). About 70% of new arrivals are
women and children who need immediate food, shelter and medical care (AFP,
15/11/2014).
People living outside the camp do not receive humanitarian assistance and lack of
identification is a concern. The needs among refugees are largely WASH, health, and
nutrition-related.
33
Food Security
(OCHA, 20/11/2014).
Ebola
Cameroon is facing several food emergencies, due to dryness in the Sahel belt, and the
strain of hosting more than 200,000 refugees (ECHO, 06/11/2015).
As of 17 December, 1,078,000 people are food insecure, mostly in the Far North, North,
Adamawa and East regions (OCHA, 17/12/2014). 54% of households in the Far North and
North regions face shortages. An estimated 34.4% of refugee households from CAR are
food insecure, especially in the North and Far North regions (FAO, 11/12/2014).
As of 14 December 2014, 19.8 million people are suffering from food insecurity in the
Sahel (OCHA, 17/12/2014). In July 2014, more than 20 million people in the Sahel (Burkina
Faso, north Cameroon, Chad, the Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, north Nigeria, and
Senegal) were suffering from food insecurity (Donor, 24/09/2014).
Agricultural Outlook
A prolonged dry spell in July had a negative impact on vegetation conditions of the main
season maize crops. Average to above-average rainfall in August and September reduced
moisture deficits, but another dry spell in October may have negatively impacted
germination and establishment of second season crops (FAO, 11/12/2014).
Health and Nutrition
As of September 2014, 6.8 million people are in need of health services (IOM, 09/2014).
Cameroon's Far North, North, Adamawa, and East regions suffer chronic shortages of
health workers. The concentration of health staff in wealthier areas leaves around 40% of
Cameroonians without access to healthcare. 45.7% of health centres do not have access
to electricity and 70% do not have piped water (Inter Press Service, 19/08/2014).
CAR refugees mostly suffer from malnutrition, malaria, and respiratory infections,
according to an ECHO needs assessment. A number of measles cases have been
reported among child refugees.
Meningitis
1,030 meningitis cases were reported in 2014, including 17 cases reported between 3 and
20 November (WHO, 30/11/2014).
Cholera
In 2014, 3,344 cases of cholera and 178 deaths were reported, compared to 29 cases
in 2013 (UNICEF, 24/12/2014). The outbreak is concentrated in the north, with Mogodé, in
the Far North region, worst hit (IFRC, 20/10/2014). The first case was reported in April, in
a Nigerian refugee family (IRIN, 06/08/2014).
Along the CAR–Cameroon border, 14 cholera cases were confirmed between 1 and 20
November. 13 were reported in Gado village in Garoua Boulai, home to CAR refugees, and
one case in Timangolo refugee camp, along the border with CAR’s Mambere-Kadei
A Cameroonian government spokesperson announced in August that all borders between
Cameroon and Nigeria had been closed in order to prevent the spread of Ebola (AFP,
19/08/2014).
Nutrition
As of September, there have been 63,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition among
children under five in 2014 (OCHA, 30/09/2014). In August, 48,780 children under five were
suffering from SAM in Far North, North, Adamawa, and East regions and targeted for
assistance. This includes new refugees from CAR and Nigeria (UNICEF, 08/2014).
As of June, up to 30% of refugees from CAR under the age of five were suffering from
acute malnutrition (UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP): 7–8% of cases were infants under six months
and 18% children over five years.
Polio
An epidemic of wild poliovirus centred in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea is spreading.
Nine cases have been confirmed in Cameroon since the onset of the outbreak in October
2013 (UNICEF, 11/09/2014). On 17 March, WHO elevated the risk assessment of
international spread of polio from central Africa, particularly Cameroon, to very high. Wild
polio had not been reported since 2009.
WASH
As of September, 2 million people were in need of WASH (IOM, 09/2014). Regions affected
by the CAR refugee crisis have particularly poor access to drinking water (East: 54% and
Adamawa: 70%) and basic sanitation (East: 22% and Adamawa: 64%) (UNICEF,
05/08/2014). In Gado and Mbilé (East region), and Borgop (Adamawa) the quantity of water
provided per day to refugees remains below 15 litres (UNHCR, 07/2014).
Education
At least 130 schools have been closed near the country’s northern border with Nigeria,
according to the Government. In 2014, more than 200 trained teachers did not take up their
posts in the Far North region (IRIN, 01/12/2014). Most students have left the area for safer
places in the country’s interior (VoA, 25/11/2014). With some schools either destroyed or
occupied by BH, the Government has said it will relocate populations to more secure areas
(Voice of America, 08/09/2014).
Approximately 50% of the 36,000 child refugees who arrived from CAR in the first six
months of 2014 had not attended school for extended periods of time. Only a small number
of CAR refugee children reportedly attend public schools in host communities (UNHCR,
07/2014).
Protection
34
In April 2014, Cameroonian police reported that an estimated 200 young people (aged 15
–19) from Kolofata area in the Far North region have been recruited by Boko Haram since
February and transferred to training camps in the Nigerian bush. Early August, police
sources confirmed that hundreds of children continued to be forcibly recruited (AFP,
06/08/2014).
reports of refusal of refugee entry have been raised. The Government deployed additional
security forces to the border, after expressing concern that armed fighters might be
infiltrating refugee populations in the area.
Updated: 20/01/2015
IDPs
CHAD FOOD INSECURITY, DISPLACEMENT
Nearly 90,000 IDPs are living in protracted displacement in the east, facing difficulties in
accessing shelter, land, and income-generating activities (OCHA, 19/11/2013). The arrival
of CAR refugees since December 2013 is further increasing competition for scarce
resources (IDMC, 24/10/2014).
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
14 January: 11,320 Nigerians have entered Chad since the attacks on Baga on 3
January, and 2,000 are stranded on Lake Chad, awaiting relocation (OCHA,
14/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- 5.5 million affected by a humanitarian crisis, including 2.2 million children (UNICEF,
10/11/2014).
- 460,000 refugees in Chad, including 93,474 CAR refugees at November, 20,000 of
whom have arrived since December 2013 (UNHCR, 02/11/2014; 19/12/2014).
- 2.6 million Chadians are food insecure. 681,000 were considered to be severely food
insecure during the lean season (OCHA, 15/10/2014; 30/09/2014).
Security Context
Central African Republic Crisis
Chad withdrew its troops from the African Union Peacekeeping Force in CAR in April, after
accusations of violence against civilians. Chad denies the charges.
International Presence in Chad
In August, France deployed a 3,000-strong counterterrorism operation across the Sahel
region based in Chad. Operation Barkhane is active in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali,
Mauritania, and Niger (local media, 01/08/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Displacement
Refugees
As of 2 November, Chad hosts 463,421 refugees: 366,915 are from Sudan, 93,474 from
CAR (including 20,000 since December 2013), more than 26,000 from Nigeria (including
3,000 since mid-Decembr and 13,000 since 3 Januar), and 459 from DRC (UNHCR,
02/11/2014; 19/12/2014; Reuters, 08/01/2015).
Most refugees are in Wadi Fira (157,500), Ouaddai (114,350), Sila (84,650), and Logone
Oriental (47,500), while 22,750 are in Dosseye camp and 26,420 in Belom camp, Moyen
Chari (UNHCR, 02/11/2014). 412 CAR refugees refused to be transferred from Sido transit
camp to Belom camp early December, settling on lands provided by inhabitants instead
(UNHCR, 05/12/2014).
Nigerian Refugees
The Chadian Prime Minister appealed for international aid for the Nigerian refugees fleeing
Boko Haram attacks (Reuters, 08/01/2015). More than 13,000 have entered Chad since
the 3 January BH attacks in Baga (Reuters, 13/01/2015), including 11,320 on the
mainland and 2,000 stranded on Lake Chad awaiting relocation (OCHA, 14/01/2015).
Resources are limited for both refugees and host communities, especially food,
shelter, and essential household items (OCHA, 12/01/2015).
Evacuees/Returnees from CAR
As of 2 October, there are 113,086 evacuees from CAR without refugee status (IOM,
06/10/2014). 92% of arrivals lack any form of identity documentation (OCHA, 16/07/2014).
Although the Chad–CAR border remains officially closed, people continue to arrive at a
number of points and are in a very vulnerable condition (UNHCR, 07/2014).
5.5 million people are affected by humanitarian crisis, including 2.2 million children and 3.2
million people in need of humanitarian aid (UNICEF, 10/11/2014; OCHA, 31/08/2014).
90% of evacuees are in camps (OCHA, 15/10/2014). The Government has increased the
maximum stay in transit centres from ten days to one year to allow the restoration of
family links and better prepare relocation (OCHA, 30/09/2014).
Access
Returnees
Chad’s President Idriss Déby announced in May that the southern border with CAR would
be closed to all except Chadian citizens until the CAR crisis is resolved. Concerns over
Returnees in the southeast – 7,000 have been identified in Salamat – are less targeted by
humanitarian assistance and have little means of subsistence (ICRC, 19/11/2014). 543
35
Chadian returnees have arrived from Nigeria since mid-December due to BH attacks
(international media, 08/01/2015). There are approximately 230,000 returnees in Chad,
including 130,000 from CAR and 100,000 Chadian migrants returning from Libya
(OCHA, 31/12/2014).
Transit sites: The situation in southern transit sites is critical. As of end September,
41,547 people were located in the transit sites of Sido and Doyaba (Moyen Chari), Kobitey
and Mbitoye (Logone Oriental) and Djako (Logone Occidental) (OCHA, 30/09/2014).
and Bahr El Ghazel in the Sahel strip, are likely to put poor households in these areas in 36
Stressed conditions (IPC Phase 2) from February (FEWSNET, 25/10/2014).
Refugees: Funding difficulties and cuts to transport budgets have forced WFP and
UNHCR to severely cut food rations for refugees since 1 July 2014 (international media,
12/09/2014; WFP, 14/08/2014). Some 300,000 refugees, primarily from Darfur and CAR,
are reported to be among the worst affected.
Refugees and returnees are putting pressure on household demand, consumption, and
spending in Logone Oriental, Moyen Chari, Mandoul, and Salamat (WFP, 07/2014).
There were 17,300 returnees in Sido transit site in October (OCHA, 15/10/2014). Sanitation
and hygiene are major concerns (OCHA, 30/09/2014).
Regional Outlook: Sahel
Relocation, notably from Doyaba and Sido transit sites to Maingama temporary site, is
ongoing (UNHCR, 07/11/2014). At 1 December, over 5,888 returnees were still waiting to
be relocated from Doyaba (IOM, 01/12/2014).
As of 14 December, 19.8 million people are suffering from food insecurity in the
Sahel (OCHA, 17/12/2014). As of 29 October, some 6.5 million people had moved from
being moderately food insecure to facing an acute food and livelihood crisis, an increase of
four million since January 2014 (IRIN, 29/10/2014).
7,599 people are estimated to be in Kobitey transit site (IOM, 06/10/2014). Urgent
humanitarian needs are reported in all sectors; 1,200 shelters need to be built (OCHA,
15/10/2014).
Temporary sites: 21,231 people are in temporary sites in Chad (OCHA, 30/09/2014).
Maingama temporary camp, in Moyen Chari, does not have sufficient shelter and WASH
capacity to host the entire population of Doyaba and Sido sites, although relocations are
ongoing (OCHA, 18/09/2014; 25/10/2014). At 1 December, Maingama holds 12,169
Chadian returnees (IOM, 01/12/2014). Work is under way to increase the hosting capacity
to 30,000 people (OCHA, 30/09/2014).
Health and Nutrition
2.5 million people are in need of healthcare (OCHA, 31/08/2014). 30 of the 102 health
districts are considered non-functional by the Ministry of Health due to lack of resources.
Access to quality healthcare is a particular concern for over 330,000 people in Kanem
region due to particularly high malnutrition rates (OCHA, 19/09/2014).
Vaccination coverage is weak despite efforts to scale up routine immunisation. Only 34%
of children under one have been vaccinated in eastern Chad returnee sites (UNICEF,
10/11/2014).
Danamadja temporary site, in Logone Oriental, has reached its current maximum capacity
with over 11,000 inhabitants, although only 40% of the camp is completed. In July,
humanitarian actors were in discussion with authorities to prepare a new site, a few
kilometres from Goré and Danamadja (OCHA, 16/07/2014).
Cholera
30% extra shelters are needed in Gaoui sites, in Zafaye, close to N’Djamena, where 4,252
returnees were hosted as of mid-October (OCHA, 30/09/2014; 15/10/2014).
Nutrition
Host communities: Over 25,000 people who entered Chad since the CAR crisis are living
in small villages and remote communities throughout the south, including 22 villages in
Mandoul and Logone Oriental hosting around 15,000 returnees (OCHA, 30/09/2014).
Pressure on resources is high and conditions are poor, with urgent need for shelter, food,
health, WASH and livelihood needs. 3,475 CAR arrivals in Bether have increased the
population by five times putting pressure on access to water, education, and shelter
(UNHCR, 30/11/2014).
In 2014, 172 cases of cholera were reported (OCHA, 17/12/2014), including two deaths,
compared to two cases in 2013 (UNICEF, 10/12/2014).
152,000 children were severely malnourished and 310,000 moderately malnourished as of
31 October (OCHA, 31/10/2014). Kanem, Bahr-El-Gazel, Gera, and Wadi Fira all report
GAM above the emergency threshold of 15% (OCHA, 19/09/2014).
WASH
1.3 million people are in need of WASH assistance: only 50% of the population has access
to safe water and 12% to adequate sanitation (OCHA, 31/08/2014).
Food Security
Education
2.4 million people in Chad are food insecure (20% of the population), 428,000 of
whom are severely food insecure (OCHA, 31/12/2015).
Access to primary and secondary education is a need in Danamadja, Kobitey, and Djako
sites (OCHA, 31/10/2014).
Early exhaustion of food stocks due to deficits in Wadi Fira, Guera, east Batha, Kanem,
and Bahr El Ghazel in the Sahel strip, are likely to put poor households in these areas in
Protection
A trend of increasing SGBV incidents has been noted in Doyaba, Maingama, and Kobitey
camps; 28 incidents were recorded 15 September–15 October.
UNICEF has reported over 600 unaccompanied minors and separated children and 44
children associated with armed groups among the CAR returnee population since
December 2013 (OCHA, 31/08/2014). Family reunification is a major protection challenge
(OCHA, 25/10/2014). Only 59% of identified unaccompanied and separated children have
been reunited with their families as of mid-November (UNICEF, 10/11/2014).
Legal Status
Second and third-generation Chadians from CAR have been recognised as de facto
nationals by the Government, and UNHCR is working with authorities to formalise
recognition and avoid statelessness. The Government will provide birth certificates to
every child born in a transit site (UNHCR, 07/2014).
Updated: 20/01/2015
DJIBOUTI DROUGHT, FOOD INSECURITY
Displacement
Migrants
IOM estimates that over 100,000 migrants transit the country every year. Almost 90% are
Ethiopian, while the rest are usually Somali. Migrants arrive in dire conditions, and a large
number need medical assistance, which is putting a strain on local health facilities in
Dikhil, Tadjourah, and Obock (IOM, 21/11/2014). Migrants/refugees continue to report lack
of access to food and water during their transit through Obock, while they wait to cross to
Yemen. During transit, migrants/refugees are also exposed to theft by criminal gangs, and
detention by authorities (Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat, 31/05/2014). In 2014, 241
migrants have been reported dead or missing, compared to 15 in 2013 (IOM, UNHCR,
21/11/2014).
Refugees in Djibouti
24,430 refugees, the majority of Somali origin (20,190), are registered in Djibouti (OCHA,
30/11/2014, ECHO, 01/08/2014). There are also 4,220 asylum-seekers, mostly from
Ethiopia (3,230). They reside in two camps: Holl Holl and Ali Addeh (UNHCR).
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Food Security
13 January: 14.5% of households in the country are food insecure and 32% are
vulnerable to food insecurity. The region with the highest food insecurity rate is Obock,
followed by Dhiuhil, Arta, Tadjourah, and Ali Sabieh (WFP).
14.5% of households in the country are food insecure and 32% are vulnerable to food
insecurity. 14,200 people are in IPC Phase 3, while 56,000 are in IPC Phase 2. The
region with the highest food insecurity rate is Obock (58.1%), followed by Dhiuhil
(42.3%), Arta (32.5%), Tadjourah 25.6%), and Ali Sabieh (23.8%) (WFP, 13/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
An estimated 300,000 people need humanitarian assistance, including more than 24,000
refugees (ECHO, 01/08/2014; OCHA, 30/11/2014)
Security Context
Djibouti plays a significant role in international efforts to combat piracy in the region
and restoring peace in Somalia. This has led to reprisal infrequent attacks in the past
(UNHCR).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Stress on rural livelihoods has triggered movements from rural areas towards peri-urban
areas of the capital, putting additional pressure on the delivery of basic services (UN,
12/06/2014).
Access
A lack of access due to insecurity, on top of reductions in assistance, has placed Obock in
a particularly precarious situation (FEWSNET, 25/08/2014).
Health and Nutrition
In 2014, OCHA reported that 300,000 people are in need of healthcare services.
Communicable diseases, such as diarrhoeal diseases, have a high morbidity rate.
Nutrition
According to OCHA, 277,000 people are in need of nutritional aid, compared to 195,420 in
2013. A food security survey conducted in November 2014 shows that those who are more
food insecure are suffering from malnutrition, acute diarrhoea, and other diseases
(GIEWS, 11/11/2014). WHO reported in May that malnutrition rates among children in the
most affected areas have surpassed the organisation’s emergency thresholds (FEWSNET,
05/2014).
Protection
During transit, migrants/refugees are exposed to theft by criminal gangs, and detention by
authorities (Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat, 31/05/2014). In 2014, 241 migrants were
reported dead or missing, compared to 15 in 2013 (IOM, UNHCR, 21/11/2014).
Updated: 20/01/2014
ETHIOPIA FLOODS, FOOD INSECURITY
37
across the region.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
20 January: Environmental degradation in camps, the fragile ecosystem, and scarce
resources have led to tensions between host communities and refugees in some
locations (UNHCR).
14 January: Opposition parties reported roadblocks obstructing their efforts to register
for the elections (VOA).
1 January: GAM and SAM levels in Tierkidi, Kule, and Leitchuor camps are well above
UNHCR’s emergency threshold (UNHCR).
1 January: There has been a decline in the incidence of malaria in all camps following
the end of the rainy season (UNHCR).
KEY CONCERNS
- Armed insurgencies continue to affect Ogaden region, with inter-communal tensions
contributing to frequent violence.
- 2.7 million are in IPC Phase 3 and 4 of food insecurity. The most affected regions are
Oromia, Somali, Amhara, Tigray, and Afar (15/12/2014, FAO).
- 1.2 million people are in need of improved access to safe water and water sources
(UNICIEF, 31/10/2014).
- There are 656,199 refugees, mainly from Somalia and South Sudan (UNCHR,
12/01/2015). Over 250,000 South Sudanese refugees are in Gambella region; 90% are
women and children, 68% children under 18 (WFP, UNICEF, 15/08/2014)
- A majority of refugee camps have reached, or are reaching, full capacity. Main
concerns include the overcrowding, malnutrition, and critical shortfalls in humanitarian
aid.
Political Context
Ethiopia is considered comparatively stable, but deep clan tensions and intra-communal
violence persist. Two decades of deadly conflict in the southeastern region of Ogaden
have had a severe impact on the Ethiopian Somali population, especially after years of a
relatively successful government counter-insurgency campaign. The Government has yet
to address the root causes of the violence.
However, weak political opposition, and the Government’s determination to accelerate
economic growth all make continued stability likely.
Protests against projects to expand the boundaries of Addis Ababa into lands currently
hosting the Oromo community, which has reportedly been marginalised by successive
Governments, began on 25 April. In May, local sources reported dozens killed in violence
Elections are scheduled for May 2015 (Amnesty International, 22/09/2014). Four opposition
party members were arrested in July 2014 for alleged connections with terrorist
organisations (Crisis Watch, 01/08/2014). In September, Amnesty International reported
violations of civil and political rights. In January, opposition parties reported roadblocks
obstructing their efforts to register for the elections (VOA, 14/01/2015).
Security Context
Participation in Regional Military Operations
Ethiopia has historically been a key player in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism
operations in East Africa. Peace talks on the South Sudan conflict, under the mediation of
the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, are taking place in Addis Ababa. In 2014,
Addis also hosted peace talks over conflict in Sudan.
In January 2014, the Government pledged that Ethiopian troops, currently part of the
African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) would remain in Somalia until durable peace
and security is achieved. The Somali militant group Al Shabaab has repeatedly threatened
Ethiopia since Ethiopian troops arrived in Somalia. On 13 October 2013, a bomb blast
killed two people in Addis Ababa. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
They are arriving through Pagak and Akobo, as the reception centres in Matar and
Pamdong have been closed (IOM, 07/01/2015).
Humanitarian interventions in Leitchuor and Nip Nip were severely affected by floods, but
general food distribution has now commenced in Nip Nip (WFP, 10–16/10/2014). In
October, only 50km of the road from Gambella to Leitchuor was accessible, and the rest
was completely under water. (IOM, 02/10/2014). Maintenance of the road between
Gambella and Nyinyan began on 18 December (UNHCR, 18/12/2014). Helicopter drops
proved difficult due to poor weather conditions, therefore agencies opted to move
assistance by boat (WFP, 15/10/2014).
Security conditions have made some camps in Benishangul‐Gumuz inaccessible (IOM,
07/01/2014).
Disasters
Floods
Heavy rains in August and September flooded 95% of Leitchuor and most of Nip Nip, and
also affected Matar and Pagak crossings (UNICEF, 15/08/2014). The majority of displaced
refugees self-relocated in different parts of Nyinyang and along Nip Nip–Jakawo corridor
and Gambella–Matar highway (UNHCR, 10/11/2014).
38
Heavy rains in September also caused flooding in areas of Afar, SNNP, and Somali
regions (OCHA, 27/10/2014). More than 100,000 people were affected in Somali region,
particularly in Adadle, Argele, Berano, Dollo Ado, Dolo Bay, East and West Imy, Ferfer,
Korahe, Kelafo and Mustahil woredas (OCHA, 10/11/2014).
Ethiopian Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
As of 1 July, there are 30,343 Ethiopian refugees in Kenya (10/07/2014, UNHCR).
As of September, Ethiopia had 426,700 IDPs (OCHA, 30/11/2014).
An estimated 6,820 Ethiopians made their way to Yemen in May, a 31% increase on the
number who arrived in May 2013. They left predominantly for economic reasons and fear
of persecution. New arrivals in Yemen have reported cases of arbitrary detention and
torture as a result of perceived affiliation to the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), and
repression premised on political affiliation, given that general elections are scheduled for
2015 in Ethiopia (RMMS, 31/05/2014).
Refugees in Ethiopia
Food Security
Ethiopia is now the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa (UNHCR, 19/08/2014). As of
31 December, Ethiopia hosts up to 656,199 refugees; mainly Somalis, South Sudanese,
Eritreans, and Sudanese (UNHCR, 31/12/2014). South Sudanese account for the biggest
refugee population (UNHCR, 20/10/2014). Environmental degradation in camps, the
fragile ecosystem, and scarce resources have led to tensions between host
communities and refugees in some locations (UNHCR, 20/01/2015).
In June, an estimated 2.7 million people were in Phase 3 and Phase 4 food insecurity
(WFP, 06/2014). This is a 12% increase compared to the first half of 2013. The most
affected regions are Oromia (897,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance), Somali
(690,970), Amhara (548,000), Tigray (321,400), and Afar (152,600). According to UNICEF,
3.2 million people in Ethiopia required emergency food assistance in 2014 (UNICEF,
30/10/2014).
South Sudanese Refugees
As the meher harvests have started, parts of Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, and
western areas have improved to Minimal food insecurity (IPC Phase 1) (FEWSNET,
10/12/2014). However, below-average production of maize and sorghum is expected in
areas of eastern Amhara and southern Tigray, central and eastern Oromia, and areas
along the Rift Valley in SNNPR, causing these areas to either remain Stressed (IPC Phase
2) or move into Crisis (IPC Phase 3) between December and March, as households
exhaust their food stocks (FEWSNET, 10/12/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
As of 1 November, 196,596 South Sudanese have sought asylum in Ethiopia since
December 2013 (UNHCR, 01/11/2014). 46,362 South Sudanese refugees were in Ethiopia
before 2013. The majority of arrivals come from Upper Nile state and are predominantly
from Gajaak, Gajiok, and Luo-Nuer tribes (UNHCR, 03/07/2014) . At August, 90% were
women and children, and almost 68% under 18 years old, and arriving in critical nutritional
conditions (WFP, UNICEF, 15/08/2014).
Leitchuor and Nip Nip way station were dismantled due to the continued risk of flooding
and are now being rehabilitated. As of 16 January, 8,689 of 15,000 refugees had been
transferred from Matar to Pugnido (UNHCR, 16/01/2015). The number of refugees
volunteering for relocation has been decreasing daily (IOM, 07/01/2015).
Okugo camp, located in southern Gambella, can only absorb 29,000 refugees in addition to
the current population of 6,000 (IOM). As of January, two sites, Koben, with a capacity of
50,000 and Cholan, with a capacity of 20,000, near Gambella, have been identified and
approved for development as refugee camps (UNHCR, 09/01/2015, 15/01/2015)
Eritrean Refugees
As of 30 November, Ethiopia hosts 107,000 Eritrean refugees (OCHA, 30/11/2014). There
was a spike in daily arrivals in September, with more than 200 Eritreans crossing the
border each day. About 5,000 refugees, mainly from Asmara, arrived in Ethiopia during
October, and an additional 3,588 in November (OCHA, 24/11/2014). New arrivals are
transferred to Hitsat camp, which is now hosting 27,560 people (OCHA, 24/11/2014). The
recent spike has led to a shortage of health services, shelter, and core relief items.
UNHRH has highlighted that the large number of unaccompanied minors is cause for grave
protection concern (OCHA, 30/11/2014).
Flooding in September along the Shabelle River destroyed and limited access to grazing
areas in South Omo zones in Afar, and in SNNPR. This has led to deteriorated livestock
conditions, and diminished household access to food and income (FEWSNET, 24/11/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
A good meher harvest is expected in most parts of the country this year. Pocket of east
Tigray, north Oromia, Afar, Hareri, and Dire Dawa, will have reduced harvests. Water and
pasture shortages are also likely in these areas before the next rainy season, in June
(OCHA, 27/12/2014).
In July 2014, year-on-year general inflation rate increased to 6.9%; food inflation to 5.8%
and non-food to 8.2%. The terms of trade between shoat and staple cereals has
deteriorated for producers and consumers in most areas of the Somali region and
Diredawa markets (WFP, 31/07/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Malaria remains the main public health concern in all refugee camps, followed by
respiratory tract infections and diarrhoeal diseases (IFRC 30/12/2014). A survey among
South Sudanese refugees residing in Ethiopia indicated a serious public health emergency
in August (OCHA 15/08/2014). Monitoring in Gambella region has shown critical gaps in
39
medical personnel and supplies, as well as funds for public health clusters (OCHA,
11/08/2014).
Malaria
There has been a decline in the incidence of malaria in all refugee camps following
the end of the rainy season (UNHCR, 01/01/2015).
Measles
15,500 suspected measles cases were reported in 2014; more than double the incidence of
2013 (OCHA, 29/12/2014).
40
A government land development plan to allow sugar-cane plantations, dam construction,
and commercial agriculture is expected to relocate 150,000 indigenous people into
permanent sedentary villages.
Updated: 20/01/2015
GAMBIA FOOD INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
No significant developments this week 21/01/2015. Last update 07/01/2015.
Nutrition
264,298 children required treatment for severe acute malnutrition between January and
October 2014 (UNICEF, 31/10/2014).
As of 1 January, GAM in Leitchuor, Kule, and Tierkidi camps was 25.8%, 28%, and
30.3%, respectively; SAM rates were 5.7%, 7.8%, and 10%, respectively (UNHCR,
01/01/2015). GAM and SAM levels are well above UNHCR’s emergency threshold, yet
show no change from previous numbers. Crude mortality rates in Kule 1 were
1.47/10,000/day and Leitchuor 1.03/10,000/day. Under-five mortality rates at Kule 1 were
5/10,000/day and Leitchuor 2.73/10,000/day (WFP, 15/08/2014; UNICEF, 15/07/2014).
Polio
Ten polio cases have been reported in Ethiopia since May 2013: the last case was
reported 17 March. All cases were reported in areas that share borders with Somalia,
where the regional polio outbreak started.
WASH
1.2 million people are in need of improved access to safe water and water sources
(UNICEF, 31/10/2014). Seasonal rains have recently improved water availability in Oromia,
and water trucking has commenced in Borena, Bale, East Hararge and West Hararge
woredas (OCHA, 08/12/2014).
The ratio of latrines per person in Leitchuor is 76:1, in Pagak 1:76, and in Burbiey 1:103,
considerably higher than the UNHCR standard of 1:50 (UNHCR, 01/11/2014).
Protection
In December women have been more susceptible to attacks and assaults outside
Leitchuor refugee camp as lack of firewood and cooking gas forces them to travel further
in search of wood (UNHCR, 11/12/2014).
In mid-February, human rights NGOs reported that a government-run land clearance plan
had affected an estimated 7,000 indigenous people in the lower Omo Valley in the
southwest. This raises concerns over indigenous people’s livelihoods. Forced resettlement
of indigenous people in the area has also been reported.
KEY CONCERNS
- Almost 290,000 people are in need of healthcare (OCHA, 31/08/2014).
- 202,500 people are food insecure and in need of food assistance. 49,000 children are
acutely malnourished (OCHA, 31/08/2014).
Political and Security Context
On 30 December, an attempted coup was reported as gunfire was heard outside the
presidential palace in the capital Banjul while President Yahya Jammeh was out of the
country (UN, 01/01/2015). Gambian security forces went door-to-door in the capital in
search of coup participants (AFP, 01/01/2015). The situation in Banjul has calmed, but
according to Amnesty International, Gambian law enforcement agencies have
arrested at least 30 people, including one 16-year-old, and have detained them
without charge (Amnesty, 20/01/2015).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
289,200 people are in need of humanitarian assistance, given increasing commodity
prices, resurgence of epidemics, and limited access to basic social services (OCHA,
31/08/2014).
Displacement
Refugees in the Gambia
As of September 2014, around 9,500 refugees, mostly Senegalese from the Casamance
region, live in the Gambia (OCHA, 31/08/2014). Smaller numbers of refugees come from
Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.
Food Security
202,500 people are food insecure (OCHA, 31/08/2014). Agencies are warning about the
increase in food and fuel prices, which may constitute a high food security risk to rural and
urban households (OCHA, 31/08/2014).
Growing conditions for cereal crops and pastures have been poor in several parts of the
country, mostly in central and western regions, due to irregular rains at the beginning of
the cropping season in May/June, which delayed planting, and subsequent erratic
precipitation in July and August. Aggregate cereal production in 2014 will drop by 75%
compared to 2013, to about 57,000 metric tons. Production of groundnut, the main cash
crop, is anticipated to decline by over 80%. Access to food will further be restrained by
high prices of cereals and the depreciation of the national currency, which has increased
domestic prices of imported food commodities (FAO, 05/11/2014). The Ebola epidemic in
neighbouring countries is further aggravating food insecurity, as the crisis has affected
tourism, a significant source of income (Reuters, 01/10/2014).
Sahel Food Crisis: Regional Overview
19.8 million people in the Sahel (Burkina Faso, north Cameroon, Chad, the Gambia,
Mali, Mauritania, Niger, north Nigeria, and Senegal) are suffering from food
insecurity as of December 2014 (OCHA, 17/12/2014). Food insecurity in 2014 has risen
dramatically compared to 2013, when 11.3 million people had inadequate food (OCHA, 03
/02/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Around 290,000 people are in need of healthcare, over 15% of the population. The supply
of essential drugs is low, as is laboratory capacity. Staff and equipment are not sufficient
to meet the most urgent needs (OCHA, 31/08/2014).
There have been sporadic outbreaks of meningitis in all regions, but particularly in the east
of the country; in the Upper, Lower, and Central River regions (OCHA, 31/08/2014).
Nutrition
Around 49,000 children are reported to be acutely malnourished, of whom 7,800 children
suffer SAM (OCHA 31/08/2014). This represents 3,000 more SAM cases than in July 2013
(OCHA 25/07/2014). The nutrition situation is particularly dire in Central and Upper River
regions, with GAM rates above the 10% serious threshold (OCHA, 31/0809/2014).
WASH
287,000 people are in need of WASH assistance. Inadequate access to safe drinking
water, basic sanitation, and poor hygiene practices continue to be an issue. 20% of deaths
among under-fives are WASH-related (OCHA, 31/08/2014).
Updated: 21/01/2015
GUINEA FOOD INSECURITY, EPIDEMIC
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
26 January: Senegal reopened its land border with Guinea (international media).
41
24 January: 2,909 Ebola cases and 1,906 deaths have been reported in Guinea (WHO).
20 January: Three people were assaulted in Kabac, Forecariah prefecture, as residents
suspected they were health workers who would expose inhabitants to the Ebola virus
(international media).
KEY CONCERNS
- 21,924 cumulative reported cases across the region, including 8,737 deaths (Liberia,
Guinea and Sierra Leone each reported over 20–24 January) (WHO, 26/01/2015). The
numbers of registered cases and deaths are largely inaccurate, underestimating the
gravity of the situation on the ground.
- 970,000 people, or 9% of the population, were estimated to be severely food insecure
in December 2014; EVD effects account for 230,000. 3 million individuals are estimated
to be vulnerable to food insecurity. 1.2 million are projected to be food-insecure in
March 2015; 470,000 Ebola-driven (FAO, 17/12/2014).
For more information on the Ebola crisis in West Africa, visit the ACAPS Ebola Needs Analysis
Project page.
Political Context
President Condé has suggested delaying presidential elections, due in 2015, because of
the EVD crisis (International Crisis Group, 01/11/2014). The opposition demanded electoral
reforms by 15 December, threatening countrywide protests otherwise. However, on 26
November, President Conde stated that protests will not be tolerated during the Ebola
outbreak (International Crisis Group, 01/12/2014).
International Response
On 15 November, France announced it will coordinate Ebola containment efforts in Guinea,
at the UN’s request (AFP, 15/11/2014).
Cuba has sent 465 health workers to West Africa (international media, 20/10/2014). The
UN Security Council adopted a resolution establishing a special mission to lead the global
response to contain Ebola on 18 September (UN, 18/09/2014). The Ebola outbreak in West
Africa has also been declared a Grade 3 Emergency under WHO’s Emergency Response
Framework (ECHO, 29/07/2014). WHO declared the epidemic a Public Health Emergency
of International Concern (PHEIC).
Unrest
On 6 January, trade unions launched a general strike throughout the country, mainly over
salary. Limited demonstrations and road closures were reported in Conakry (UNMEER,
06/01/2015). On 8 January, an agreement was reached with the Government (UNMEER,
08/01/2015).
Security Context
The Ebola response has increased tensions between President Condé’s ethnic group, the
Malinke, who make up about 35% of the population, and the Fulani ethnic group, about 40%
of the population (local media, 18/10/2014).
Resistance to the Ebola response
In the week to 14 January, response efforts faced resistance in 27 sub-prefectures: mainly
in the Forest areas, in the prefectures neighbouring Conakry, and in northern and western
Guinea (UNICEF, 14/01/2015; WHO, 31/12/2014).
On 20 January, three people were assaulted in Kabac, Forecariah prefecture, as
residents suspected they were health workers who would expose them to the Ebola
virus (international media, 20/01/2015).
On 10 January, two men were killed by villagers of Dar es-Salaam, Forecariah prefecture,
as they were accused of spreading Ebola (local media, 14/01/2015; UNMEER,
15/01/2015). 26 people were arrested and tension remains high in the prefecture, with
several villages inaccessible (international media, 18/01/2015; UNMEER, 15/01/2015).
Strong resistance has prevented suspected case transport and safe burials in Forecariah
prefecture (USAID, 07/01/2015). As of 11 January, Forecariah is one of the prefectures
most affected by EVD (WHO, 14/01/2015).
On 23 January, medical kits sent by the government to school children were
destroyed by villagers in Ourekaba, southern Guinea (international media,
23/01/2015). On 6 January, a community transit centre was burned down in Bossou, Lola
prefecture (UNMEER, 07/01/2015). On 3 and 4 January, response teams were attacked in
Coyah. On 1 January, a safe burial team was assaulted in Kindia prefecture, resulting in
one injured and the intervention of the military (UNMEER, 05/01/2015). The Red Cross has
suspended its operations in Koropara for security reasons (UNMEER, 25/11/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
Poor road infrastructure means many communities outside the capital are inaccessible
(OCHA, 16/09/2014).
Food Security
Based on WFP estimates, 970,000 people, or 9% of the population, were estimated to be
severely food insecure in December 2014; EVD effects account for 230,000. Almost 90%
of the Ebola-driven food insecure live in rural areas. 3 million people were estimated to be
vulnerable to food insecurity.
The number of food insecure is projected to increase to 1.2 million in March 2015, 470,000
due to Ebola. (FAO, 17/12/2014). 57% of Guinean households were already food insecure
or at risk of food insecurity before the EVD outbreak (WFP, 29/10/2014).
As of late December, most households are consuming their own crop production and are
facing Minimal (IPC phase 1) acute food insecurity (FEWSNET, 31/12/2014). A survey of
the Forest region by WFP and FAO showed that 74% of affected communities are reducing
the number of meals per day and 59% have resorted to eating seeds (WFP and FAO,
31/12/2014). In Nzerekore and Conakry, poor households are facing Stressed (IPC phase
2) food insecurity and have difficulties affording certain essential non-food items
(FEWSNET, 31/12/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
All agricultural sectors have been hit by the crisis. In the Forest region, Ebola-related fears
have reduced the availability of agricultural labour, resulting in reduced yields. The largest
production declines compared to 2013 levels were estimated for Nzerekore (-8%), while
other regions are projected to experience only slight decreases (up to -3%) (FEWSNET,
31/12/2014). Overall, rice production is estimated to decline by 3.7%, with a relatively
localised impact: most disruption will be in the Forest region (WFP, 05/01/2015). National
cocoa production is estimated to have fallen by a third, coffee production by 50%, and
palm oil by 75%. Corn production has declined by 25% (World Bank, 02/12/2014; UNECA,
15/12/2014; UNDP, 19/12/2014). Fish exports have fallen by more than 40% (World Bank,
02/12/2014).
Based on commercial forecasts, Guinea has a rice import gap of about 44,000 metric tons
(WFP, 05/01/2015).
Livelihoods
UNDP estimates that household income has dropped by 12.7% in Guinea as of October,
due to the consequences of the Ebola outbreak (UNDP, 14/11/2014). In the regions of
Nzerekore and Conakry, many poor households are facing below-average incomes and
decreased purchasing power, despite stable or declining food prices (FEWSNET,
31/12/2014). In the Forest region, 91% of communities surveyed by WFP and FAO indicate
that the availability of labour has decreased, and its cost has increased (WFP and FAP,
31/12/2014).
Prices for local rice declined between 3% and 10% in December; prices of palm oil also fell
(WFP, 18/12/2014). In Guinea and Senegal border areas, palm oil prices increased 40%
and coffee prices increased 50% in less than four weeks. Traders indicate a 50% drop in
market activities (WFP, 15/09/2014).
In the central Fouta Djallon region, potato exports to Senegal dropped to 22 metric tons in
2014, from 250 in 2013. In August 2014 the wholesale price for a kilogram of potatoes fell
to 200 Guinean francs from 3,500 (local media, 15/01/2015). The closure of the
Senegalese border has reportedly meant the spoiling of potato crops in Labé, in some
cases exceeding 50%. Similar issues have been reported by fruit and tomato producers in
Kindia, who typically export to Senegal. To cope, certain producers have increased exports
to Conakry although local demand is not sufficient to completely absorb the excess supply
(FEWSNET, 31/12/2014).
Health and Nutrition
42
Attendance at health facilities fell sharply from August 2013 to August 2014. Primary
medical consultations dropped by 58%, hospitalisations by 54%, and vaccinations by 30%.
A 10–25% decline in antenatal consultations has been reported, as well as a 7–20% drop
in births attended by the health service (UNDP, 19/12/2014).
An estimated 400,000 children were due for routine vaccinations in 2014. However, there
has been almost 50% reduction in the numbers of children vaccinated due to Ebola. From
27 November to 3 December 2014, a catch-up campaign covered the 20 districts with no
Ebola cases or declared Ebola-free for 42 days (UNICEF, 17/12/2014).
Ebola
As of 24 January, 2,909 Ebola cases, including 1,906 deaths, have been reported in
Guinea (WHO, 26/01/2015). However, the utility of case numbers has been questioned;
statistics are reported to be highly unreliable due to a lack of a comprehensive contact
tracing, timely case investigation, and rapid Ebola testing (UNICEF, 06/09/2014).
EVD transmission has decreased since December. 20 cases were reported 12–19
January. Eight districts continues to report cases. Dubreka, with five confirmed
cases, was the worst-affected district, followed by Conakry and Boffa, each with four
confirmed cases (WHO, 21/01/2015). Four of the 33 prefectures are still considered
“active” (MSF, 26/01/2015).
The incidence of health worker infections rose in Guinea throughout December. As
of 19 January, 162 health workers have been infected, 100 of whom have died (WHO,
21/01/2015).
There has been a geographical expansion in transmission: there was over October to early
January from 9 to 19 districts reporting an infection during the past three weeks (WHO,
03/12/2014; 31/12/2014; 07/01/2015).
Containment measures: On 9 January, the “Zero Ebola in 60 days” campaign, launched a
week earlier, was put on hold due to local communities’ persistent resistance to the Ebola
response (UNMEER, 09/01/2015). The Prime Minister has announced measures against
resistance, especially in Coyah district, including prosecution of those who hide patients
from medical teams or those who hold medical teams hostage (International media,
12/01/2015).
Guinea declared the Ebola outbreak a health emergency on 13 August. President Alpha
Condé announced a series of measures including strict controls at border points, travel
restrictions, and a ban on moving bodies from one town to another until the end of the
epidemic. All suspected victims will automatically be hospitalised until they are cleared of
infection (AFP, 14/08/2014). On 1 August, West African Ebola-hit nations agreed to impose
a cross-border isolation zone at the epicentre of the outbreak (AFP). On 26 January,
Senegal reopened its land border with Guinea (international media, 27/01/2015).
Healthcare provision: In the Forest region, insufficient supply of thermo-flash
thermometers, lack of equipment and electricity, and weak coordination among response
partners are hampering response (UNMEER, 30/12/2014).
Regional Outbreak
The total cumulative number of reported cases across the region has reached 21,924,
including 8,737 deaths (Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone each reported 20–24
January) (WHO, 26/01/2015). On 19 January, Mali was declared Ebola-free after 42 days
without reporting any new cases (international media, 19/01/2015).
HIV
80% of people living with HIV in the three most Ebola-affected countries have not been
able to access treatment (UNDP, 14/11/2014). Around 217,000 people are estimated to be
living with HIV in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone (international organisation, 20/10/2014).
Malaria
44% of Guineans, about five million people, are affected by malaria each year; the disease
kills at least ten people every week. The recent gains from the past ten years in reducing
malaria mortality by 50% have been seriously hampered by the EVD outbreak
(international media, 14/11/2014).
Maternal Health
Women in the three most-affected countries are no longer giving birth in health facilities
(UNMEER, 03/11/2014). In addition, Ebola-infected pregnant women are often not
permitted in Ebola treatment centres because of the high risk of contamination during
delivery, likely resulting in a higher maternal death rate in the three most affected
countries (UNFPA, international media 29/10/2014).
Education
On 19 January schools in Guinea reopened. Initial attendance was low, as the
announcement the preceding week had taken many people by surprise. Schools had been
closed because of the Ebola epidemic (international media, 14/01/2015; 16/01/2015;
19/01/2015).
Protection
As of 21 January, 4,113 children who lost one or both parents to Ebola have been
identified (UNICEF, 21/01/2015).
Health workers and survivors are stigmatised (MSF, 26/01/2015).
Updated: 26/01/2015
KENYA FOOD INSECURITY, INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
19 January: 602 refugees have returned to Somalia as part of the Tripartite Agreement
43
(The Guardian).
19 January: Marsabit county, in northern Kenya, is suffering from acute food and water
shortages due to inadequate rains in the past three years (local media).
15 January: Trafficking of South Sudanese children who have been separated from their
parents is a growing phenomenon in Kenya (Jesuit Refugee Service).
14 January: There is a critical need for land to accommodate refugees. Humanitarian
actors on the ground continue negotiations with local authorities for a new site in
Turkana county (WFP)
KEY CONCERNS
- Violence is ongoing in the capital Nairobi, as well as the northeastern and coastal
areas; two-thirds of attacks have been attributed to the Somali Islamist Al Shabaab
movement.
- Inter-communal tensions are running high: 491 people were killed and 47,000 displaced
by tribal conflict in 2013. Tana River, Mandera, Marsabit, and Moyale counties are the
most affected.
- There are over 586,095 refugees in Kenya, including at least 426,500 Somalis and
87,129 South Sudanese (UNHCR 01/12/2104, 07/08/2014).
- 1.5 million people are acutely food insecure (FEWSNET).
Political Context
Kenya is considered relatively stable in the Horn of Africa and held peaceful presidential
elections in March 2013. However, the country remains ethnically polarised and affected
by two decades of conflict in neighbouring Somalia. The implementation of a devolution
process, land reform, and national reconciliation all challenge stability in a country where
institutions are perceived to be weak.
The International Criminal Court dropped charges against President Uhuru Kenyatta, which
stemmed from 2007–08 post-election violence when more than 1,000 people died, on 5
December (BBC, 07/10/2014, 05/12/2014).
On 16 December, the Government de-registered 510 NGOs, accusing them of using their
charitable status as a front for raising funds for terrorism. Many of the NGOs appear to be
aid agencies, Christian organisations, orphanages, or organisations working in
development and health (The Guardian, 16/12/2014).
Security Context
The frequency and scale of militant attacks in Kenya have increased dramatically since
2011, when Kenyan troops began operating in Somalia, as has the nature of the violence.
Al Shabaab has built a cross-border presence and clandestine support network among the
Muslim population in the northeast, in Nairobi, and on the coast. The increasing
radicalisation of the ethnic Somali Muslim population is allegedly fuelled by systematic
ethnic profiling and discrimination. Muslims make up 11% of Kenya’s 40 million population.
In addition, deadly inter-communal violence remains common in a number of areas.
Al Shabaab-related Violence
On 22 November, Al Shabaab gunmen killed 28 non-Muslims taken from a Nairobi-bound
bus in Mandera, in retaliation for Kenyan police raids of suspected radical mosques in
Mombasa earlier in the month; one person had died in the raids (OCHA, 28/11/2014). 500
non-locals and professionals to a military landing strip, but were not evacuated (Red
Cross, 03/12/2014). On 27 November, significant numbers were reported to be leaving
Mandera, mainly health workers, teachers, and civil servants (Kenya Daily Nation,
27/11/2014).
In response to the attack, the Kenyan military launched operations in Somalia, reportedly
killing 115 Al Shabaab militants (BBC, The Guardian, 24/11/2014). The attack was not been
independently confirmed; Al Shabaab denied that any attack took place (Al Jazeera,
24/11/2014).
On 1 December, one person was killed and 12 wounded in an attack in Wajir, close to
Mandera (AFP, 01/12/2014). On 2 December, Al Shabaab carried out a second attack in
Mandera, killing 36 quarry workers (AFP, 02/12/2014).
In June and July, attacks in Kenya’s coastal region left 102 dead. Soweto in Mombasa,
Mpeketoni, Poromoko, Panganguo, the villages of Witu and Kibiboni, and Gamba police
station were all targeted (Reuters, 06/07/2014). Although evidence points towards Al
Shabaab involvement, the Kenyan Government insists local political networks are to blame
(IRIN 23/07/2014).
Inter-communal Violence
A growth in the population of both people and livestock has led to more frequent cattle
raiding and violence, fed by the availability of small arms. As of the end of November,
inter-communal violence in Kenya had caused 310 deaths, 214 injuries and displaced
220,200 in 2014 (OCHA, 31/11/2014). The areas most affected by inter-communal violence
are the northern Rift Valley and northeastern regions.
On 7 December, 25 houses were burned down and several acres of plantations destroyed
in Kakamega county, following tribal clashes between Nandis and Kabras (Kenya Daily
Nation, 08/12/2014). On 20 November, five villagers were killed and 12 injured in North
Horr, Marsabit, after fighting between Gabbra and Dassanach communities (Kenya Daily
Nation, 20/11/2014).
Conflict in Mandera and Wajir
In May and June, and then August–September, clashes between Garre and Degodia
communities in Mandera and on the border between Wajir and Mandera resulted in 110
44
deaths. Some 75,000 were displaced in the first bout of violence, and 19,000 later (OCHA,
23/06/2014; Kenya Red Cross, 05/09/2014). The Garre and Degodia Somali clans have
been feuding over natural resources since March 2012.
179,552 are located in Kakuma, 227,953 in Dabaab, 129,392 in Alinjugur, and 51,296 in
Nairobi (UNHCR, 14/10/2014, 31/12/2014). Somalis make up 75% of refugees, South
Sudanese 13% (UNHCR, 30/07/2014).
Conflicts in Baringo, Samburu and Turkana
From Somalia: As of July, 427,000 Somali refugees were in Kenya (UNHCR, OCHA).
Most are in the northeastern Dadaab and Alinjugur refugee camp complex, which in July
hosted 340,000 Somali refugees. 55,468 Somali refugees are in Kakuma camp, Turkana,
and 32,014 are in Nairobi (UNHCR, 01/07/2014).
Despite the deployment of additional security forces, reports suggest that tensions in
Baringo and Turkana remain high. People fled raids Baringo North in December (Kenya
Daily Nation, 18/12/2014).
On 17 November, clashes over cattle between Samburu and Turkana left ten dead. On 18
November, four more people died as Samburu raided Garuchu village, in Isiolo (Kenya
Daily Nation, 18/11/2014). Four more people were killed in another raid in Turkana on 21
November (Kenya Daily Nation, 23/11/2014).
Turkana has also seen an increase in the frequency of violent attacks by raiders of Pokoto
and Turkana communities, with incidents in November leading to several deaths and
displacement from Kapedo (Kenya Red Cross, 04/11/2014; Kenyan Daily Nation,
20/11/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Disasters
Drought
Marsabit county, in northern Kenya, is suffering from acute food and water
shortages due to inadequate rains in the past three years (local media, 19/01/2015).
Garissa county, in northeast Kenya, has also been experiencing severe drought. Water
pans are drying up quickly, livestock has begun to die, and in November residents were
urgently appealing for food, water, and medical services (Kenya Daily Nation, 10/11/2014).
Floods
On 5 December, over 300 people were displaced as mudslides and floods destroyed their
homes in Jomvu, Mombasa (Kenya Daily Nation, 05/12/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
On 1 December, Kenya had 309,200 IDPs (OCHA, 31/11/2014).
As of 31 November, inter-communal violence had caused the displacement of 125,107
people in Mandera, 84,980 in Wajir, 4,920 in Lamu and 1,730 in Turkana throughout the
year.
Refugees
The Tripartite Agreement between the Kenyan and Somali Governments and UNHCR,
signed in November 2013, establishes the legal framework for those Somali refugees
wishing to return home (IOM, UNHCR, 09/12/2014). As of 19 January, 602 returnees had
arrived in Somalia (The Guardian, 19/01/2015).
From South Sudan: As of 15 January, more than 44,790 South Sudanese refugees
have crossed into Kenya through Nadapal border since mid-December 2013 (UNHCR,
15/01/2015). 75,038 South Sudanese refugees are in Kakuma camp, Turkana county
(UNHCR, 07/07/2014).
There is a critical need for land to accommodate refugees. Kakuma camp hosts 179,550
refugees, surpassing its capacity of 150,000 (UNHCR, 15/01/2015). The overpopulation
in Kakuma is causing friction among refugee communities, and security forces are finding
it more difficult to manage situations (UNHCR, 14/11/2014). Regular relocations from the
reception centre which started in late November stalled as a result of rains and flooding,
and the need for dry, safe areas is urgent (UNHCR, 09/01/2015). Humanitarian actors on
the ground continue negotiations with local authorities for a new site in Turkana
county (WFP, 14/01/2015).
Access
Humanitarian workers on the ground have reported that poor roads, hilly terrain and
protection concerns along the northern Rift Valley and northeastern regions have
hampered the delivery of aid (OCHA, 31/11/2014).
Food Security
Pockets of northeastern pastoral areas will deteriorate to Crisis food insecurity (IPC Phase
3) until March: Isiolo, Dadaab subcounty in Garissa, and Hadado and and Sebule
subcounties in Wajir (FEWSNET, 31/12/2014). Food security will remain Stressed (IPC
Phase 2) until March in southeastern marginal agricultural areas, as short rains harvests
are expected to be below average.
Agriculture and Markets
October to December rainfall was below average. The driest areas are reportedly in the
northeast pastoral zone: Isiolo, Garissa and Wajir. Crops have so far not developed to
normal levels in southern marginal agricultural areas (FEWSNET, 31/12/2014).
Health and Nutrition
As of 1 December, Kenya is hosting more than 586,100 refugees and asylum-seekers.
45
The ratio of hygiene promoters to refugees in Kakuma camp is 1:2,500, well below the
UNHCR standard of 1:500 (UNHCR, 09/01/2015).
Malaria
1,164 new malaria cases were reported in the second week of November, compared to
1,009 in the week before (UNHCR, 14/11/2014). The number of new cases is likely to
increase exponentially due to the high camp population and ongoing rains (UNCHR,
26/11/2014).
Nutrition
KEY CONCERNS
- The total cumulative number of reported cases across the region has reached 21,924,
including 8,737 deaths (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone each reported over 20–24
January) (WHO, 23/01/2015).
- About 630,000 people, or 14% of the population, were estimated to be severely food
insecure in November 2014; the EVD impacts accounting for 170,000 people. These
numbers are projected to increase to 750,000 and 290,000, respectively, by March
2015. 1.1 million people were estimated to be vulnerable to food insecurity (FAO,
05/01/2015).
SAM rates among South Sudanese refugees arriving in Kakuma between 14 and 20
October were at 15.4%, up from 10% among new arrivals in May. GAM was at 29.3%, up
from 16.3% in May (UNHCR, 23/05/2014, 23/10/2014).
- Non-Ebola medical needs cannot be met, leading to an increase in non-Ebola related
morbidity and mortality.
Protection
For more information on the Ebola crisis in West Africa, visit the ACAPS Ebola Needs
Analysis Project page.
Following Al Shabaab attacks in Mandera in late November, a new security bill was
introduced limiting the rights of people who are arrested and accused, adding harsh
criminal penalties, and restricting freedoms of expression and assembly. The law also
stipulates that the number of refugees and asylum seekers permitted to stay in Kenya
shall not exceed 150,000 (IRIN, 05/01/2014). On 2 January, Kenya’s High Court
suspended eight sections of the law, until a legal challenge mounted by the opposition and
rights groups is heard (BBC, 02/01/2015). The measures have been widely criticised by
human rights group (Human Rights Watch, Kenya Daily Nation, 14/12/2014).
Since December 2013, 2,684 unaccompanied minors and 11,583 separated children
have arrived in Kakuma camp (UNHCR, 15/01/2014). Trafficking of separated South
Sudanese children is a growing phenomenon in Kenya. Traffickers find the children
on their way to or inside refugee camps and take them to southern Africa, often
Malawi, where they use or sell them as slaves (Jesuit Refugee Service, 14/01/2015).
It has been reported that Kenyan immigration officials have been charging visa fees to
asylum seekers at the border crossing points in Kakuma, in contravention of international
humanitarian law (UNHCR, 31/12/2014).
Updated: 20/01/2014
LIBERIA FOOD INSECURITY, EPIDEMIC
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
24 January: 52,000 children are estimated to be severely acute malnourished
(UNICEF).
20 January: A total of 8,524 cumulative Ebola cases reported, including 3,636 deaths
(WHO, 26/01/2015).
Political Context
The opposition won most seats in the 20 December senatorial elections. Turnout was less
than 30% (international media, 24/12/2014; BBC, 23/12/2014).
On 30 September, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare released an order requiring
journalists wanting to visit an Ebola healthcare facility first to get written permission from
the health ministry (international media, 06/10/2014). The Press Union of Liberia had
raised concerns about violations of freedom of information (Reporters Sans Frontières,
08/09/2014).
International Response
On 15 December, the Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Mission in Liberia
until 30 September 2015, in light of the consequences of the Ebola outbreak for national
reforms (UNSC, 15/12/2014).
By 8 January, 1,829 US troops were in Monrovia to contribute to the Ebola response (US
Government, 08/01/2015). Cuba has sent 465 health workers to West Africa (international
media, 20/10/2014).
On 18 September, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution establishing a special
mission to lead the global response to Ebola (UN, 18/09/2014). The outbreak in West
Africa has been declared a Grade 3 Emergency under WHO’s Emergency Response
Framework (ECHO, 29/07/2014). WHO declared the epidemic a Public Health Emergency
of International Concern (PHEIC).
Security Context
In the poorest parts of Monrovia and Nimba county, armed attacks and opportunistic crime
have increased (DRC, 24/09/2014; UNMEER, 12/11/2014). Several police stations in
46
Monrovia have closed after officers became ill or died of Ebola (AFP, 30/09/2014;
UNMEER, 12/11/2014).
Resistance to the Ebola Response
Pockets of resistance to the Ebola response are being fuelled by rumours that the Ebola
crisis is over as the state of emergency has ended. The senatorial election campaigns of
December 2014 strengthened this view (UNMEER, 11/01/2015).
Community resistance to health workers and treatment remains a concern in Bomi, Grand
Cape Mount, Grand Kru, and Gbarpolu counties (UNMEER, 28/11/2014; UNICEF,
03/12/2014). On 13 January, burial teams were reportedly chased away by communities in
Konton, Garwula district, Grand Cape Mount (UNMEER, 15/01/2015).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
The humanitarian response remains hampered by transportation problems, including a lack
of vehicles in good condition, and poor road network due to heavy rains (UNICEF,
07/01/2015; UNMEER, 11/01/2015). Since November, Gleyansiasu town in Gbarpolu
county has been experiencing food shortages and lacking some basic medical supplies
due to the bad condition of the roads (UNMEER, 14/12/2014). In Grand Bassa county,
canoes have been banned from crossing the Timbo River, cutting residents off from
neighbouring towns (international media, 25/11/2014).
borrowed food, and reduced portions or frequency of meals (Joint assessment by UN,
government and Food Security Cluster, 30/11/2014). About two-thirds of households
surveyed by the World Bank in December reported not being able to buy enough rice to
meet their needs. 80% of those households indicated a lack of money as the main reason
(World Bank, 12/01/2015).
Agriculture and Markets
Quarantine has disrupted trade throughout the country. Inadequate food supplies are
reported in Bomi, Bong, Margibi, Montserrado, and Sinoe counties (FEWSNET,
31/12/2014). In rural areas, community members had very limited access to food supplies,
as the cost of transportation has risen (joint assessment by UN, Government and Food
Security Cluster, 30/11/2014).
Most weekly markets have reportedly reopened. 60% of weekly markets in Liberia were
open and functioning normally in the week of 22 December, 37% were open but functioning
at reduced levels, and 4% were closed, according to a FEWSNET survey. Inadequate food
availability on markets was reported by 25–50% of traders in Lofa, Gbapolu, Montserrado,
Margibi, Bong, Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties. In other counties less than 25% of
traders reported inadequate availability (FEWSNET 07/01/2015).
Displacement
A recent survey by the World Bank reported that rice prices are 40% above the January
baseline (World Bank, 12/01/2015). The same increase was also reported by UNDP and
ECHO in December (an average increase of 41% in more than seven of Liberia’s 15
counties, with the largest increase in Lofa). This is attributed to the interruption of trade as
a consequence of Ebola, as well as the devaluation of the Liberian dollar (UNDP,
24/12/2014; ECHO, 31/12/2014).
In October–December about 18% of households indicated that a household member had
left since the Ebola outbreak, with approximately a third leaving the county, predominantly
for Monrovia (World Bank, 19/11/2014; 12/01/2015). The migration patterns are similar to
standard patterns prior to the EVD crisis. A joint assessment conducted in November
demonstrates that EVD does not seem to have led to any major population movements.
Many local chiefs have forbidden community members from spending the night outside the
village (Joint assessment by UN, Government, and Food Security Cluster, 30/11/2014).
Nationally, rice production in 2014 is estimated to have declined by 12%. In Lofa and
Margibi, a 20% decrease in rice production has been reported because of limited
maintenance of the fields (Joint assessment by UN, Government and Food Security
Cluster, 30/11/2014; FAO, 05/01/2015). There has been a substantial return to agriculture
since early October (World Bank, 19/11/2014). Based on commercial forecasts, there is a
rice import gap of 90,000 metric tons, which is exacerbating national food insecurity (FAO,
05/01/2015).
Food Security
Livelihoods
In November 2014, about 630,000 people, or 14% of the population, were estimated to be
severely food insecure; EVD impact accounting for 170,000 people. 1.1 million were
estimated vulnerable to food insecurity. The number of food insecure is projected to
increase to 750,000 by March 2015, 290,000 of whom due to EVD. Rural areas account for
about 76% of EVD-related food insecurity.
Household income had dropped by 35% in Liberia as of October, due to the consequences
of the Ebola outbreak (UNDP, 14/11/2014). The self-employed have been hardest hit.
Before the crisis, over 30% of working household heads was self-employed; this has
dropped to just above 10%. Only 50% of people working in the wage employment sector
are still working, because of business or government office closures (World Bank,
19/11/2014). Women are particularly vulnerable since they work disproportionately in nonfarm self-employment. 60% of women who were working before the crisis are currently not
working, compared to 40% of men (World Bank, 12/01/2015).
Results of the mobile Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (mVam) indicate that, as of
October 2014, all areas of Liberia are affected by food insecurity (WFP, 10/11/2014). In
November, households are using severe coping strategies in Lofa, Grand Cape Mount,
Gbaroplu and Bomi counties. In central Liberia, households were using fewer negative
coping strategies in December compared to November, but still more than average (WFP,
18/12/2014). Even in counties less affected by EVD, people have withdrawn their savings,
According to a joint survey, the numbers of employees in businesses has decreased
by 33% in all sectors and locations. 31% of businesses that use transportation
reported an increase in transportation costs during September 2014. The number of
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businesses reporting falling client numbers in the past month increased by 130%
between January 2013–July 2014 and the September and October 2014. 10% of
businesses surveyed had closed in relation to the Ebola crisis (Building Markets,
WFP and African Development Bank, 12/2014; Building Markets, 11/2014).
Wage rates have dropped 12–20% since November in all monitored areas, as demand for
labour declined in the post-harvest period. The drop is steeper in western counties (-33%),
possibly as a consequence of the increased EVD caseload (WFP, 18/12/2014). In counties
severely affected by EVD, household incomes have decreased since food sales have been
affected (Joint assessment by UN, government and Food Security Cluster, 30/11/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Only 44% of routine health services are reported to be operational by the Ministry of
Health, despite a large number of health facilities being listed as open (Government,
30/11/2014; UNMEER, 12/12/2014). Only 27% of routine health facilities reported carrying
out triage (UNMEER, 29/12/2014).
Ebola
As of 20 January, 8,524 Ebola cases, including 3,636 deaths, have been reported
(WHO, 26/01/2015). The utility of case numbers has been questioned; statistics are
reported to be highly unreliable due to a lack of a comprehensive contact tracing, timely
case investigation, and rapid Ebola testing (CDC, 09/2014; international media,
20/11/2014). Between 12 and 19 January, eight confirmed cases were reported in
Liberia: six confirmed and 11 suspected cases in Montserrado county, and two
confirmed cases in Grand Cape Mount county (WHO, 21/01/2015). 12 districts in
Liberia did not report any confirmed cases during the five days to 2 January, indicating that
the geographical reach of the outbreak is contained to a limited number of districts (WHO,
10/12/2014; 31/12/2014; international media, 29/12/2014; WHO, 07/01/2015). No
confirmed cases have been reported in January in Bong, Nimba and Lofa counties,
but cross-border surveillance needs to be strengthened as the neighbouring
prefectures of Macenta and Nzerekore in Guinea are consistently reporting cases
(Liberia Information Management System, 16/01/2015). All districts in Liberia have
reported at least one case of EVD since the start of the outbreak.
As the number of reported Ebola cases is slowing, Liberia has entered a new phase
of the epidemic that requires a rethinking of the response to new cases. 95% of
people entering ETUs do not have Ebola, yet contact tracing begins immediately. On
9 January, more than 5,000 contacts were being tracked and potentially subject to
stigmatisation, yet only 63 patients were in ETUs, and roughly half of new cases do
not have a link to a contact, indicating that hidden cases are causing transmission
(PI, 09/01/2015).
Healthcare provision: County health teams report inadequate training in case
investigation, contact tracing and collecting and handling patient specimens. They reported
limited supply of PPEs, no training in its proper use, and lack of essential drugs, as well as
challenges because of poor transportation and communication networks (CDC,
19/12/2014). There are shortages of ambulances, vehicles for case investigations, and
19/12/2014). There are shortages of ambulances, vehicles for case investigations, and
48
thermometers (international media, 20/11/2014). There is shortage of mouth swabs for the
collection of samples from dead bodies in Grand Cape Mount (Government, 03/12/2014).
The lack of basic supplies and of payment of incentives is leading to difficulties
retaining medical staff in Cestos City, Rivercess county (UNMEER, 21/01/2015).
Storage capacity for medical supplies remains a main constraint, causing major delays in
distribution to health facilities (UNICEF, 07/01/2015).
Containment measures: The chairman of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders
asked all traditional spiritual healers to stop activities and bush schools until Liberia
is declared Ebola-free (international organisation, 26/01/2015).
On 9 January, it was reported that the county health team in Bong county intercepted 11
dead bodies that were being transported from Monrovia, indicating a need to control
migration of EVD cases from other parts of the country (UNMEER, 09/01/2015). On 29
December, 2,000 people were quarantined in Lofe town, Margibi county after a corpse
transported for burial was confirmed infected with Ebola (international media, 29/12/2014).
All or parts of Lofa, Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu and Grand Cape Mount counties have been
under quarantine since 8 August and Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa and Grand
Gedeh counties since 14 August (IFRC, 12/11/2014).
On 13 November, the Liberian President lifted the state of emergency, declared on 6
August, and reduced the curfew (Government, 13/11/2014).
On 3 October, Parliament criminalised the deliberate concealment of information about
people with contagious diseases such as Ebola and HIV, after a similar law was passed in
Sierra Leone (UN, 04/10/2014).
Liberia closed its borders on 29 July, with the exception of major entry points and the
airport (ECHO, 29/07/2014). On 23 October, the President announced strict checks on
Liberia's borders with neighbouring Guinea and Sierra Leone (AFP, 23/10/2014). However,
there are more than 55 illegal crossing points between Grand Cape Mount county and the
neighbouring districts Pujehun and Kenema in Sierra Leone, and movement of goods and
people continues to facilitate contamination (UNICEF, 07/01/2015). On 1 August, West
African Ebola-hit nations agreed at an emergency summit to impose a cross-border
isolation zone at the epicentre of the outbreak (AFP).
Regional Ebola Outbreak
The total cumulative number of reported cases across the region has reached 21,924,
including 8,737 deaths (Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone each reported 20–24
January) (WHO, 26/01/2015). Mali has been declared Ebola Free (WHO, 19/01/2015).
HIV
Before the Ebola outbreak, more than 70% of the 30,000 HIV patients in Liberia had
access to treatment, but more than 60% of the facilities distributing antiretroviral
medicines have since closed, according to the National AIDS Control Program (IRIN,
21/11/2014).
Maternal Health
Women in the three most-affected countries are no longer giving birth in health facilities
(UNMEER, 03/11/2014). In addition, Ebola-infected pregnant women are often not
permitted in Ebola treatment centres because of the high risk of contamination during
delivery. So far, only two pregnant women have survived EVD in Liberia. The situation
is likely resulting in a higher maternal death rate in the three most affected countries
(international media 29/10/2014; UNFPA, 29/10/2014; 23/01/2015).
experiencing physical and verbal abuse and lack access to health facilities, food and water
sources (UNMEER, 30/11/2014; UNMEER, 11/01/2015).
In response to the measles outbreak in Lofa county, periodic intensification of routine
immunisation is being implemented for measles and other vaccinations for children under
one year who missed their routine vaccination (UNICEF, 17/12/2014). 551,364 children in
15 counties have been targeted (UNICEF, 07/01/2015).
Liberia’s Institute of Statistics estimates that over two million children are affected by the
consequences of the Ebola outbreak in Liberia, about 600,000 of whom are under five
(UNICEF, 19/11/2014). 4,519 children have been registered as orphaned by EVD.
However, it is estimated that up to 7,500 children are orphaned by EVD (UNICEF,
07/01/2015; 21/01/2015). There are not enough orphanages to admit all
unaccompanied children, and short-term emergency projects cannot meet the longterm needs of these orphans (Caritas, 21/01/2015). Social workers have raised fears of
child trafficking and exploitation, after some children, who have been placed into foster
care and are receiving material support or onetime cash grants, have been claimed by
strangers who failed to come forward previously (UNICEF, 31/12/2014).
Nutrition
Updated: 27/01/2015
52,000 children are estimated to have severe acute malnutrition (SAM), however,
there is no nutritional status information post-Ebola, since “no-touch” policy has
prevented screenings. 73 acute malnutrition treatment sites remain open. Rapid
nutrition assessments are planned end of February (UNICEF, 24/01/2015).
LIBYA DISPLACEMENT, CIVIL WAR, POLITICAL UNREST
Measles
WASH
Half of the population have no access to toilets (UNMEER, 20/11/2014). Two million people
are in need of WASH, being directly or indirectly affected by the EVD epidemic (UNMEER,
12/12/2014). The supply of buckets and chlorine water solution for hand washing is
inadequate (UNMEER, 16/01/2015). WASH services in the Ebola treatment centres
have been prioritised, leading to regular acute shortages of safe water supply among
communities (PI, 24/01/2015).
Challenges remain regarding on-site and off-site management of liquid waste from some of
the first Ebola treatment units constructed (UNICEF, 07/01/2015).
Education
Liberia plans to reopen schools on 2 February, but the majority of schools in Grand Cape
Mount will not be ready to open on time, and there is concern that other schools may not
be prepared to meet the deadline (UNMEER, 15/01/2015; international media, 06/01/2015).
Infection prevention and control protocols, which require regular access to safe
water, need to be established in each school, but 54% of schools have no access to
water (PI, 09/01/2015). In addition, school feeding programmes will not be in place in
time, which will likely impact attendance (Liberia Information Management System,
16/01/2015).
Protection
Traditional coping mechanisms and social bonds are breaking down, as people who exhibit
symptoms of Ebola or are related to sick people are being rejected from communities
(CARE, 30/09/2014). Families of victims, survivors and people quarantined are
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
21 January: The GNC announced it would not take part in UN-sponsored dialogue,
following the takeover of the Benghazi Central Bank by the factions of the Libyan
National Army (LNA), formerly Operation Dignity (Libya Herald, 21/01/2015; New York
Times, 22/01/2015).
20 January: Renewed clashes near As Sidr were reported between Libya Dawn and
LNA factions, in breach of the ceasefire (Reuters, 20/01/2015).
18 January: Following peace talks in Geneva, a provisional ceasefire agreement was
agreed by the main warring factions (NYT, 18/01/2015). A roadmap for a unity
government has also been agreed (AFP, 16/01/2015).
15 January: Over 2014, there were 2,383 reported conflict-related fatalities in 2014
(ACLED, 15/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- The conflict has affected more than two million people (UN, 03/09/2014)
- There are 393,420 IDPs in 35 cities and towns in Libya (UNHCR, 14/11/2014). More
than 150,000 people have sought refuge abroad (UNHCR 10/10/2014).
- Over 331,000 people are at risk and in need of humanitarian assistance (OCHA,
08/10/2014).
- Indiscriminate shelling and targeting of civilian areas (UNSMIL, 04/09/2014).
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- Access is a major concern (OCHA, 03/09/2014).
OVERVIEW
It is estimated that two million people have been affected by the conflict, which has
generated shortages of food, fuel, water, medical supplies, and electricity, as well as
reduced access to healthcare and public services.
The rapidly deteriorating security situation has caused waves of displacement,
particularly in the western outskirts of Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi. The
fighting deepened the humanitarian needs of IDPs and communities affected by the
fighting. The price of food and basic items, such as cooking fuel and wheat flour, have
doubled.
Most displaced people are living in schools and host communities under growing strain
from the influx. Access is difficult, with blocked roads preventing the delivery of food
and medical supplies to areas most affected by conflict.
Political Context
The political crisis has led to worsening armed conflict over the course of the year. Libya
has two rival parliaments and governments, with militias exerting much control on the
ground. Rival economic policies and a potential struggle over the control of resources is
likely to exacerbate the crisis, and worsen the economic situation (Financial Times,
08/12/2014).
The House of Representatives was elected in June. It moved to Tobruk in early August and
towards the end of 2014 to the town of Shahat (AFP, 12/11/2014). Prime Minister Al
Thani’s Government was sworn in on 28 September. On 21 October, Libya’s elected
parliament officially endorsed former General Haftar and his Operation Dignity (now known
as the Libyan National Army) against Islamist militias. On 6 November, Libya’s Supreme
Court ruled the House of Representatives unconstitutional. Certain members of the House
of Representatives declared that they did not recognise the ruling (UNHCR, 14/11/2014).
The Islamist-dominated General National Congress (GNC), which preceded the House of
Representatives and had never stood down, reconvened and voted to replace the House
on 25 August.
Peace Talks
During peace talks in Geneva, opposing factions agreed on a roadmap to form a
unity government. A provisional ceasefire was later agreed by the main warring
factions, beginning on 18 January (NYT, 18/01/2015). Libya Dawn was not at the
negotiations, but agreed to a unilateral provisional ceasefire (AFP, 15/01/2015; BBC,
22/01/2015) . Fighting has since been reported in several locations, potentially
jeopardising the ceasefire and durable solutions to the crisis. (AFP, 16/01/2015).
On 21 January the GNC announced it would not take part in the next round of the UNsponsored dialogue, after the takeover of the Benghazi Central Bank by factions of
the Libyan National Army (LNA). The LNA claimed to have taken the bank from Ansar
al Sharia. The GNC had earlier stated it would join the next round of talks if they
were held in Libya (Libya Herald, 21/01/2015; New York Times, 22/01/2015).
UN-brokered talks between the House of Representatives and elected members who
boycotted the assembly and had links to the GNC began on 29 September (Reuters,
01/10/2014).
Security Context
The surge in violence since mid-July has affected more than two million people (UN,
03/09/2014). in 2014, there were 2,383 reported fatalities from battles and remote
violence (ACLED, 15/01/2015). Fighting was concentrated mainly in Tripoli and Benghazi.
An abundance of weapons from the NATO-backed uprising against Gaddafi are sustaining
warring factions (AFP, 14/07/2014). The United Nations Stabilization Mission for Libya
(UNSMIL) left the country in mid-July. Analysts believe the fighting to be rooted in
struggles about patronage, control over wealth and resources and influence in the
central government, rather than ideological rifts between Islamists and anti-Islamists
(ACLED, 15/01/2015; NYT, 21/01/2015).
Main Stakeholders
The Libya Shield brigades, tied to the city of Misrata, are allied to Islamist political forces,
as are the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries (SCBR), a Benghazi-based alliance
including Ansar al Sharia, Libya Shield units and other armed groups. Together with
insurgents from Tripoli and other towns including al Zawiya and Gheryan, these groups
make up the Libya Dawn.
Ansar al Sharia has declared an Islamic emirate in the eastern city of Derna and pledged
allegiance to Islamic State (Al Arabiya, 06/10/2014).
The Al Qa’qa’ and Al Sawai’q brigades, allied with the city of Zintan, and fighters from the
Warshefana region west of Tripoli, back the House of Representatives, as does former
General Khalifa Haftar, supported by units of Libya's regular armed forces. Haftar launched
Operation Dignity in May, aiming to break the strongholds of Islamist forces. At end
October, the House of Representatives declared a formal alliance with former General
Haftar (Reuters, 20/10/2014). Operation Dignity and its supporters are now called the
Libyan National Army (ICG, 05/01/2014). On 5 January, the House of Representatives
appealed to the international community for more weapons (AFP, 05/01/2014).
Regional Involvement
In October, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria were all concerned that the violence will spill into
their territories (Reuters, 11/10/2014). In August, the United States said Egypt and the
United Arab Emirates secretly bombed Islamist militia positions near Tripoli's airport (AFP,
08/10/2014). On 8 October, Prime Minister Al Thani announced that Egypt would help to
train the Libyan army.
According to intelligence sources, Islamist groups operating in northern Africa have set up
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three secret training camps in southern Libya. Islamist fighters pushed out of Mali following
French intervention are also said to be hiding in Libya’s south. Experts see links between
these groups and Islamist militias in northern and eastern Libya (AFP, 26/10/2014). Islamic
State (IS) has set up training camps in eastern Libya for several hundred fighters,
according to US officials (BBC, 04/12/2014).
Palestinian, Sudanese, and Syrian nationals have been banned from entering Libya. The
Interior Minister stated he had received intelligence reports indicating that nationals of
these counties were heading to Libya to join opposition forces in the west (Libya Herald,
05/01/2015). Tuareg from Mali and, reportedly, Tebu from Chad, have joined their
respective Libyan tribe members in fighting over Ubari (Al Jazeera, 05/12/2014).
Conflict Developments
On 28 November, former General Haftar announced an offensive to retake Tripoli. He
vowed to recapture Benghazi within two weeks and Tripoli within three months (AFP,
29/11/2014).
El Sharara oilfield in the south of the country was attacked and shut down by gunmen
supporting Libya Dawn in early November; Libya Dawn has taken control of the field by
early December (Reuters, 11/11/2014; Daily Mail, 08/12/2014).
Tripoli and Western Libya
Tripoli has witnessed continuous violence since 13 July, when Operation Dawn was
launched. Tripoli has largely been under the control of Operation Dawn. Airstrikes in and
around Tripoli have been reported. In November, clashes and airstrikes by Operation
Dignity forced the temporary closure of Mitiga Airport, the last functioning airport in the
capital. Operation Dignity also reportedly targeted Dawn strongholds in Zwara, 110 km
from Tripoli, striking a food warehouse and a factory in early December, and close to the
Tunisian border (AFP, 16/11/2014; NYT, 24/11/2014; AFP, 02/12/2014; Al Jazeera,
03/12/2014; Reuters, 04/12/2014, 05/12/2014; Asharq Al Awsat, 6/12/2014; Libya Herald,
07/12/2014).
Operation Dawn expanded south into the Nafusa mountain region, with factional fighting
taking place between Zintan militia and Misrata and other tribal and city-based militia
groups (ACLED, 24/11/2014). 170 people were killed and hundreds were injured in the
fighting (Reuters, 23/12/2014).
Over 11–12 October, militias from Zintan attacked the neighbouring town of Kekla, which
supports Libya Dawn (AFP, 13/10/2014), leading to recurrent clashes. By 24 November,
authorities had confirmed 140 deaths and more than 450 injured (WHO, 24/11/2014).
Fighting in Warshefana killed an estimated 100 people and 500 were wounded between
August and early October (Reuters, 23/12/2014).
State forces raided Misrata after the Libya Dawn attack on the Ras Lanuf oil terminal
(AFP, 30/12/2014, 05/01/2015).
On 18 December, fighting was reported between Misrata militias, part of the Libya Dawn
coalition, and security guards at Al Ghani oilfield, near Zillah (IHS Jane, 18/12/2014).
Benghazi and Eastern Libya
Operation Dignity began an offensive on Benghazi on 15 October; SCBR had apparently
been in control since mid-July (UNSMIL, 04/09/2014). Since mid-October, 600 people in
Benghazi have been killed due to fighting, according to medical staff (Reuters,
18/01/2015).
By 1 November, pro-LNA forces had recaptured parts of the city, including the east, and
were advancing in the south (AFP, 01/11/2014). In early January, the Libyan National Army
claimed to have almost full control of Benghazi’s Laithi district, which had been a key
Ansar Al Sharia stronghold (Libya Herald, 06/01/2015). In December, Ansar al Sharia was
reported to be firing missiles indiscriminately into Benghazi (Libya Herald, 07/12/2014). On
18 December, Libya Dawn forces had reportedly withdrawn from the area between Sirte
and Benghazi. 30 militia fighters were killed and 270 wounded in the fighting, according to
Operation Dignity sources (ANSAmed, 18/12/2014).
In December, Libya Dawn announced a campaign for the control of oilfields and terminals
(The Telegraph, 14/12/2014). As Sidr, Libya’s biggest oilfield, and Ras Lanuf oil terminal,
between Sirte and Benghazi, were closed following clashes. On 20 January, renewed
Libya Dawn–LNA clashes were reported near As Sidr (Reuters, 20/01/2015). Over 3-4
January, the LNA launched airstrikes on an oil tanker in the Islamist-held port of Derna,
killing two crew members and wounding others (AFP, 05/01/2014).
On 30 December, a suicide bomber outside the headquarters of the House of
Representatives wounded 18 people, including three lawmakers (AFP, 30/12/2014).
Inter-communal Violence
Intermittent violence in the south, linked to inter and intra-ethnic rivalries, has been
exacerbated by geopolitics and shifting allegiances. Conflict, particularly in and around the
cities of Sabha and Ubari, has resulted in displacement (UNHCR, 14/11/2014). Ubari has
seen armed clashes between the Tebu (allied with the House of Representatives) and
Tuareg (allied with Libya Dawn) communities since mid-September. Fighting in Ubari has
resulted in significant displacement of Tuareg families, seeking shelter and medical aid
outside the city (WHO, 24/11/2014). Tebu and Tuareg militants clashed repeatedly in
December (ICG, 05/01/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
Indiscriminate fighting has led to restrictions of movement for people trying to flee conflict
areas. Violence and checkpoints along the route to Zawia from Tripoli are preventing
people from reaching the Tunisian border.
Access to areas most affected by conflict is difficult, with security constraints and blocked
roads preventing the delivery of food and medical supplies. Armed groups lack knowledge
of humanitarian organisations and restrict their access to people in need. Following the
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provisional ceasefire agreement, Libya Dawn announced it would ensure safe
passages to channel humanitarian aid, particularly to Benghazi (AFP, 18/01/2015).
Parts of Benghazi have been inaccessible and entire neighbourhoods devastated by
shelling: on 8 December Libyan Red Crescent Society said its staff and volunteers had
been forced to relocate to safer areas because of fighting (UNHCR, 14/11/2014; The
Guardian, 08/12/2014). As of November, the closure of the Gharyan–Kikla road means
supplies cannot be delivered to Kikla, where authorities have described the humanitarian
situation as catastrophic (WHO, 24/11/2014).
Most humanitarian agencies have left. Even before the worsening security situation, there
were few humanitarian agencies with staff on the ground in Libya. The lack of available
cooperating partners is a major challenge for aid delivery (IRIN, 30/09/2014). The national
agency tasked with leading the humanitarian response evaluates its own response
capacity as almost non-existent (IRIN 07/08/2014).
The Salloum border crossing between Libya and Egypt has been closed indefinitely
(Libya Herald, 21/01/2015). All commercial flights to Libya have been suspended (The
Telegraph, 06/01/2015).
Security Incidents Involving Aid Workers
On 4 June, an ICRC staff member was assassinated in Sirte, prompting the ICRC to
suspend its work in the country (UN Security Council, 05/09/2014).
Infrastructure
Significant damage and destruction has been reported to public installations in Tripoli’s
southern and western suburbs (UN Security Council, 05/09/2014). In October, power
outages of up to 19 hours a day in Tripoli were impeding communications (IRIN,
01/10/2014). Shortages of diesel have been reported (UNHCR, 14/11/2014). Numerous
civilian aircraft have been damaged at Tripoli airport. Bridge 27, linking Tripoli and western
Libyan cities, has also been damaged (UNSMIL, 04/09/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
As of 14 November, there are 393,420 IDPs in 35 cities and towns in Libya (UNHCR,
14/11/2014). Additionally, at least 56,544 IDPs are still displaced since the 2011 conflict
(IDMC, 23/09/2014).
(UNHCR, 16/01/2015). IDPs from Ubari are facing difficulties as services have been
severely disrupted by fighting. Schools, hospitals and markets remain completely
inaccessible (UNHCR, 16/01/2015).
In the west, civilian groups report 38,640 people have been displaced by fighting in Kikla,
including many women and children (UNHCR, 14/11/2014). 100,000 people have been
displaced from the area around Warshefana since mid-September (UNHCR, 10/10/2014).
As of early October, most displaced people were living with local families (UNHCR,
10/10/2014). However, many IDPs are now reported to be living in schools. Some local
councils have stopped registering new arrivals due to limited response capacity.
According to UNSMIL, the Benghazi Local Council has registered some 34,000 IDPs in
need of basic assistance (UNHCR, 14/11/2014). Al Marj, near Benghazi, has had to close
its schools to accommodate people unable to stay with host families. Al Bayda and Tobruk
are also under pressure. Schools in Tobruk will be closed so they can host IDPs.
An estimated 35,000 of Tawerghan IDPs have been sheltering in temporary camps in
Tripoli and Benghazi since 2011. No aid has been provided to the Tawergha camps since
February 2014. While 10,000 Tawergha who had fled Tripoli have mostly returned, in the
east, where the community is estimated to be 18,000-strong, many families are still
displaced (IRIN, 10/12/2014). Some 2,500 Tawergha left their camp in Benghazi because
of fighting and were staying in parks, schools and parking lots in and around the town of
Ajdabiya, many with only thin plastic sheets for shelter (UNHCR, 14/11/2014).
Migrants, Refugees and Asylum-seekers in Libya
Prior to the crisis, in addition to IDPs from the 2011 conflict, Libya was supporting an
increasing population of refugees and asylum seekers using the country as an exit point to
Europe. At end December, the total number of refugees in Libya was 36,984 (OCHA,
28/12/2014). In addition, IOM estimates that there are at least 150,000 migrant workers in
Libya, 5,000 of whom might be vulnerable and in need of evacuation assistance, health
services, and psychosocial support (IOM, 08/01/2015).
Detention of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Libya is widespread and prolonged;
conditions, which were poor prior to the current fighting, have worsened (UNSMIL,
04/09/2014). Third-country nationals face extreme difficulties leaving the country as
passage through Libya’s borders with Egypt and Tunisia is restricted (IOM, 14/09/2014).
Refugees and Third-country Nationals in Neighbouring Countries
Near Tripoli, NGOs and the local council estimate some 83,270 people are living in
settlements, schools and abandoned buildings (UNHCR, 16/01/2015).
More than 150,000 people, including third-country nationals (estimated at 15,000) have
sought refuge abroad since the beginning of the conflict (OCHA, 03/09/2014).
In Benghazi, the local council is reporting around 90,000 people unable to return home. The
displacement has been centred around Benghazi, Derna, and near the Gulf of Sidra, in Ben
Jawad and Ras Lanuf (UNHCR, 16/01/2015).
In August, 6,000 people were crossing from Libya into Tunisia every day; most were thirdcountry nationals (TCNs) (ICRC, 22/09/2014).
Around Ubari, local crisis committees in the southeast confirm 18,492 people from Ubari
are displaced in six towns: Sabha, Wadi Shati, Jufra, Ghat, Murzuq, and Lewenat
Main departure points to Europe have shifted from Tripoli towards Benghazi, from where
the journey is longer and more dangerous (IRIN, 06/08/2014). According to estimates,
more than 3,000 migrants have died trying to cross the Mediterranean between January
and September 2014, more than double the previous peak in 2011 (IOM, cited in AFP
52
02/10/2014). 2,200 died between the beginning of June and 15 September (AI, 30/09/2014).
The vast majority of refugees and migrants who arrived in Italy in 2014 had departed from
Libya (AI, 30/09/2014).
Approximately 1.8 million people have fled to Tunisia since 2011 (NYT, 09/09/2014).
Food Security
Insecurity is affecting the food supply chain, with some estimates indicating a substantial
decline in food imports into eastern Libya since May. Food prices in Tripoli remain volatile,
reducing the purchasing power of the poorest households (WFP, 18/12/2014).
Shortages of basic food supplies have been reported in all areas of Tripoli and food prices
have risen drastically (IOM, 12/08/2014; UNHCR, 14/11/2014). Warehouses (both public
and private) are situated in conflict areas, and fuel shortages are aggravating the situation.
Livelihoods
People in Benghazi and Tripoli specifically, and in other cities in general, have been facing
regular electricity cuts, plus interruptions to the internet and wider communications. In
Tripoli, fuel shortages and water cuts have affected livelihoods (IFRC, 12/08/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Large numbers of expatriate medical personnel have left Libya, and such staff make up
80% of all medical personnel, according to the Ministry of Health.
Access to health services has become a major concern mainly in Benghazi. Ongoing
fighting has led to restrictions of movement for people and health workers in the conflict
areas (WHO, 24/11/2014). Al Jala hospital was occupied for several weeks by Ansar al
Sharia, and closed in October after fighting when locals tried to remove Ansar al Sharia
forces (IRIN, 02/09/2014; Libya Herald, 04/10/2014).
The hospitals that remain operating in Tripoli and Benghazi have been overstretched
dealing with casualties. Many national medical personnel have not been able to work due
to insecurity. Tripoli hospitals have been hit by shelling, leading to suspension of services.
Ambulances have been stolen. In Warshefana, fighting has disrupted health services
(ICRC, 17/09/2014).
In August and September, a number of reports indicated shortages in medical supplies,
destruction of storage facilities, and problems access warehouses in a number of towns
(UNSMIL, 04/09/2014; IOM, 12/08/2014; IFRC, 12/08/2014; ICRC, 17/09/2014).
WASH
Protection
Abductions, looting, burning of homes and other acts of revenge have all been frequently
reported (UN Security Council, 05/09/2014). With some exceptions, civilians have not been
given the chance to evacuate before hostilities commenced and severe fighting has taken
place in and around houses and other places of refuge (UNSMIL, 04/09/2014).
In Benghazi and nearby Derna, there were at least 250 politically motivated killings in 2014
(HRW, 24/09/2014). Armed militias controlling Derna are reported to have carried out
summary executions, public floggings, and other violent abuse (HRW, 27/11/2014). Peace
activists as well as senior army officers and journalists were killed in ten coordinated
assassinations on 19 September (The Guardian, 20/09/2014). In Tripoli, a number of
activists and other public figures have been abducted, received threats or had their homes
looted or burned (UNHCR, 14/10/2014).
According to the UN, threats and intimidation have been used by people claiming affiliation
with Libya Dawn against Libya’s national human rights institution in Tripoli (UN,
24/10/2014).
Abduction and Detention
On 4 January, Ansar Al Sharia reportedly abducted 13 Egyptian Christians, after having
kidnapped another seven over previous days (AFP, 05/01/2015). A group claiming
affiliation with Islamic State has published pictures of Egyptian Christians it says it
has abducted. The group claims to have 21 Coptic Egyptians seized from various places in
the Tripoli province, which includes Sirte (Libya Herald, 14/01/2015).
In addition to the detention of fighters or suspected fighters, dozens of civilians remain
missing (UNSMIL, 04/09/2014).
Third-country refugees and asylum-seekers, including unaccompanied children, face
arbitrary arrest and indefinite detention for migration control purposes by both state and
non-state actors. Torture and ill-treatment have also been reported (AI, 30/09/2014).
Mines and ERW
Incorrectly armed fuses or faulty ammunition have resulted in large quantities of
unexploded ordnance in conflict areas (UNSMIL, 04/09/2014). According to Islamist
militias, approximately 600 anti-personnel mines have been cleared since Islamists seized
Tripoli airport on 24 August (HRW, 05/11/2014).
Updated: 22/01/2015
MALAWI FLOODS
In Tripoli, shortages of water have been reported (UNHCR, 14/11/2014).
Shelter
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Alongside civilian properties, factories, mosques, and shops have also been destroyed in
residential areas (Amnesty International, 08/08/2014).
17 January: Heavy rain since early January has led to severe flooding, affecting mostly
the southern districts of Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, and Zomba. 121,000 people
53
have been displaced, 54 have died, and 153 are missing in Nsanje district. Around
638,000 people have been affected overall, mostly through damage to crops
(Government).
KEY CONCERNS
- 640,000 people food insecure: poor households in Middle Shire Valley and Phalombe
Plain are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food security (FEWSNET, 29/11/2014).
- HIV prevalence is 12% among people aged 15–49 (UNAIDS, 03/2014).
- Up to 43% of people have experienced some form of gender-based violence; women
represent more than 50% of victims.
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
generating opportunities and above-average maize prices, leading to constrained food 54
access (FEWSNET, 29/11/2014).
WASH
Poor sanitary and drainage conditions at relocation sites is a concern for displaced
flood-affected populations, as it may facilitate disease outbreaks (Government,
18/01/2015).
42% of the population lacks access to sanitation facilities (OCHA, 01/09/2014).
Shelter and NFIs
The majority of the displaced populations have sought shelter with relatives, and are
living in precarious and unsanitary conditions; camps have also been set up, mostly
in schools (MSF, 16/01/2015). More than 3,500 tents are needed for the displaced
populations, as is plastic sheeting for repairing and reinforcing damaged houses
(Government, 18/01/2015).
Nutrition
Around 20,000 people living in remote areas of the south and affected by floods
remained cut off from assistance at 16 January (MSF, 16/01/2015).
Disasters: Floods
25,313 children aged 6–59 months were suffering from SAM as of July (UNICEF,
27/09/2014).
Education
Heavy rain since early January has led to severe flooding across Malawi and caused
great damage to crops, livestock, food stocks, and infrastructure (ACT, 15/01/2015).
The southern districts of Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, and Zomba are most
affected, and 15 districts declared in a state of emergency. At 17 January, 121,000
people have been displaced, 54 have died and 153 were missing in Nsanje district.
Around 638,000 people have been affected overall, mostly through damage to crops
(Government, 18/01/2015).
Displacement
At August 2014, there were 19,923 refugees and asylum seekers in Malawi, mostly from
the DRC, Burundi and Rwanda, residing in Dzaleka camp or among host communities
(UNHCR, 30/08/2014).
Food Security
Nearly 250,000 people are in need of food assistance in the 15 flood-affected
districts. 63,530 hectares of land had been submersed as of 13 January (Government,
18/01/2015).
At November, 640,000 people in 19 districts were food insecure. Most of the country is
facing Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity outcomes, although poor households in
Middle Shire Valley (Balaka, Neno, Mwanza, and Blantyre districts) and Phalombe plain
(Mulanje and Phalombe district) are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). These outcomes are linked to
a reduced 2013/14 production due to dryness, along with significant reductions in incomegenerating opportunities and above-average maize prices, leading to constrained food
415 schools have been affected by floods, and 181 schools are being used as camps
(Government, 18/01/2015). An estimated 200,000 students are not able to attend
school as a result. 800 tents are needed to host schools, as are school kits and
psychological support for children (Government, 17/01/2015).
Protection
Up to 55% of girls and more than 70% of boys experienced some form of violence while
growing up. Two in five girls and two out of three boys experience physical violence, while
one in five girls and one in three boys experience emotional and sexual violence (UNICEF,
30/06/2014).
Updated: 19/01/2015
MALI CONFLICT, FOOD INSECURITY, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
21 January: In clashes over a separate town, UN forces destroyed a vehicle linked to
the Coordination of the Movement of Azawad in Tanbakort, Gao, killing and injuring
several members of the separatist group (MaliActu).
18 January: Mali was officially declared Ebola-free by the government and WHO after
42 days without new cases (WHO).
17 January: Suspected Islamist militants attacked a UN base in Kidal city, killing a
peacekeeper and wounding at least one other (Reuters).
16 January: Separatist groups attacked the town of Tenenkou, Mopti, killing at least
three people in clashes with the army (Reuters).
KEY CONCERNS
- Security, particularly in the north, remains volatile, and access is limited for aid
workers. Security in and around the northeastern region of Kidal is of particular concern.
- 136,000 children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (OCHA, 07/10/2014).
- 263,000 people are in IPC Phase 3 and more than 1.6 million people are in IPC Phase
2 (Cadre Harmonise, 09/11/2014).
- 2.5 million people are in need of healthcare and one million people are in need of
WASH (OCHA, 10/09/2014).
Political Context
The state lost control of the north of the country in 2012, after Tuareg groups from the
northern region known as Azawad began a campaign for greater autonomy, and a separate
coup d’état further destabilised the country. However, only months later, the fragile alliance
between Tuareg and Islamists was broken, and Islamists had taken control of key northern
cities. Civilian rule was re-established in mid-2013, with the aid of French and African
Union troops, and a UN mission, MINUSMA, had been set up, but Mali continues to face
security and political challenges. The truce in the north remains fragile, and key
government institutions need strengthening. Limited access to basic social services and
the poor capacity of public administration are key drivers of the crisis.
On 15 June 2014, the Azawad Movement Coalition – comprising the National Movement
for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), the High Council for the Unity of Azawad (HCUA),
and the Arab Movement of Azawad (MAA) – signed the Algiers Declaration with the
Government of Mali. The coalition has agreed to engage with the Government on a path of
dialogue and negotiation after several bouts of violence broke the June 2013 peace
agreement (AFP, 01/09/2014).
However, continued violence put the peace talks on shaky ground (UN, 07/08/2014). On 28
October 2014, the Azawad Movements Coalition announced united military efforts to stem
insecurity in the north (ICG, 01/11/2014). A third round of negotiations began on 20
November, but was suspended on 1 December. Negotiations are set to resume in January
2015 (Reuters, 20/11/2014; Crisis Watch, 05/01/2015). However, after UN forces
destroyed a vehicle linked to the Azawad movements in clashes over a separate town
on 21 January, the Coordination of Azawad Movements has said it will maintain the
ceasefire will remain in place, but all collaboration with MINUSMA will be suspended.
Following the attack, hundreds of people occupied the airport of Kidal in protest
against UN air strikes on Tuareg rebels, forcing UN troops to abandon their positions
(local media, 21/01/2015; international media).
Security Context
Violence has increased since late 2014, with attacks from both Islamist and Tuareg
groups. Landmines and IEDs are a particular threat. Attacks on MINUSMA vehicles,
camps, and peacekeepers have spiked since mid-August 2014 (AFP, 21/09/2014).
The situation in Kidal and Gao remains tense since Tuareg and Arab insurgents took Kidal
and the smaller settlement of Menaka in May 2014. Clashes were reported between progovernment militia GATIA and a coalition of MNLA and CPA 16 October 2014 in Intillit,
Gao region (ECHO, 19/10/2014).
The Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (Mujao), which split from Al Qaeda in the
Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in 2011, and Ansar Dine, are among the main Islamist groups
active in northern Mali, carrying out attacks on pro-government and international forces.
International Presence
The stability of the Sahel region relies on the presence of foreign troops. In addition to
Malian forces, French forces, MINUSMA, and the EU military training mission (EUTM) are
all present, mainly in Bamako (53% of forces) and in northern cities such as Kidal, Gao,
Timbuktu, and Menaka (28%) (OCHA, 31/05/2014).
MINUSMA is to set up a military headquarters in Kidal, while French forces have
increased their presence in northeast Mali near Tessalit and Angueldoc, and set up a
military base in Madama, at the Nigeria border, since late October (AFP, 23/10/2014).
MINUSMA’s mandate expires on 30 June 2015. 34 peacekeepers have died since the start
of the UN mission in July 2013 (UNSC, 06/01/2015; international media, 17/01/2015).
On 1 August 2014, France deployed a 3,000-strong counterterrorism operation across the
Sahel region. Based in Chad, Operation Barkhane is active in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali,
Mauritania, and Niger (Local Media, 01/08/2014).
Security Incidents
The main targets of attacks are army bases and MINUSMA troops. On 21 January,
several people were killed and injured when UN forces destroyed a vehicle linked to
the Azawad movements in an air strike during clashes over a separate town (local
media, 21/01/2015; international media, 21/01/2015). On 17 January, suspected
Islamist militants attacked a UN base in the city of Kidal, killing one member of the
peacekeeping force and injuring at least one other. On 9 January, seven MINUSMA
soldiers were wounded as an IED exploded near their car, close to Kidal airport
(international media, 09/01/2015).
On 16 January, separatist groups attacked the town of Tenenkou, Mopti, killing at
least three people in the clashes with the government (international media,
17/01/2015). On 7 January, Islamist insurgents attacked the town of Djoura, close to the
Mauritanian border, and set fire to the town hall. One civilian was killed (local media,
07/01/2015). In the first week of January, more than ten people were killed and six UN
55
peacekeepers wounded in attacks by Islamist militants and clashes between rival Tuareg
groups in the regions of Ségou, Gao, and Kidal (AFP, 05/01/2015; AFP, 04/01/2015;
Reuters, 03/01/2015; AFP, 29/12/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
As of 30 November 2014, an estimated 143,500 Malians refugees are recorded in
neighbouring countries (OCHA, 04/12//2014). As of 9 September, 54,000 Malians were
recorded in Mauritania, 50,000 in Niger, 32,000 in Burkina Faso, and 1,500 in Algeria
(OCHA, 10/09/2014; UNHCR, 30/11/2014).
Food Security
Access
Though insecurity in the north limits humanitarian access to certain regions, no
movement restrictions exist in Mali (OCHA, 15/01/2015). Security incidents involving
NGOs almost tripled over the course of 2014 (Première Urgence - Aide Médicale
Internationale, 10/10/2014). Several humanitarian organisations suspended their activities
in the Intillit area, Gao, following violent clashes on 16 October 2014, and six INGOs
preventively evacuated part of their staff from the Timbuktu region fearing the spread of
the conflict (ECHO, 19/10/2014; OCHA, 24/10/2014).
Certain areas requiring assistance in Mopti region, such as Tenenkou and Youwarou
villages, remain inaccessible due to insecurity and poor infrastructure (WFP, 01/10/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
As of 4 December 2014, about 86,000 people are internally displaced as a consequence of
the 2012 conflict, a decrease from 101,300 recorded in August. In northern Mali these
include 11,944 IDPs in Timbuktu, 12,025 in Kidal, and 7,070 in Gao. In addition, 31,146
IDPs have been registered in Bamako,13,111 in Koulikoro, 4,665 in Mopti, 4,716 in Ségou,
and several hundred in Kayes and Sikasso (OCHA, 04/12/2014). In September 2014,
around 9,700 IDPs were considered vulnerable (IOM, 10/09/2014). 55% of IDPs in the
south are children (IOM, 08/2014).
Refugees in Mali
As of 31 July 2014, Mali hosts over 14,525 refugees from countries including Mauritania
(12,900) and Côte d’Ivoire (1,110) (OCHA, 16/09/2014).
Returnees
361,000 IDP returnees have been identified in Gao, Timbuktu, Kidal, and Mopti (IOM,
10/09/2014). 35,800 IDPs went back to their place of origin between June and September
2014 (IOM, 10/09/2014). The arrival of returnees has exacerbated needs in the north
(OCHA, 10/09/2014). The majority of people displaced within Gao since 2012 have
returned, although fighting in October led to some new displacement (IOM, 16/10/2014).
In 2014, more than 31,000 Malian refugees have returned: more than 10,000 from Burkina
Faso; about 12,000 from Niger; around 7,300 from Mauritania; and 2,200 from Algeria
(UNHCR, 14/08/2014).
Malian Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
As of October 2014, 263,000 people are in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) food insecurity. 60% of
them live in Gao, Mopti, Kidal and Timbuktu. More than 1.6 million people are in IPC Phase
2 according to the Cadre Harmonisé, fewer than in 2013 (FEWSNET, 09/11/2014).
The harvest will improve food security conditions from October 2014 to March 2015. As of
January 2015, cereal prices are average or below-average, increasing household
access to food. Nonetheless, there are pockets of deficit in some regions of Timbuktu,
Gao, Mopti, and Kayes, where under-average harvests and livestock products are
expected (FEWSNET, 25/10/2014; Food Security Cluster, 27/10/2014; international
organisation, 19/01/2015). Provisional early end of stock is expected in Gao, Bourem,
Goundam, Niafunké, and in some areas north of Koulikoro, Kayes, and Douentza. Poor
households from agro-pastoral areas are likely to remain in IPC Phase 1 (FEWSNET,
25/10/2014). In north riverine areas, vulnerable households are likely to reach Crisis levels
of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3) as of April 2015 (FEWSNET, 16/11/2014; international
organisation, 19/01/2015).
Agricultural Outlook
Rainfall has improved the situation in northeast and central Mali, inducing reconstitution of
water reserves and pastoral vegetation (WFP, 30/09/2014; Food Security Cluster,
27/10/2014).
However, livestock farming conditions are likely to worsen as of February 2015 in agropastoral areas previously affected by rain deficits in May-October 2014, and those which
recorded high cattle mortality impairing farmers’ livelihoods (Food Security Cluster,
27/10/2014).
Livelihoods
A combination of overfishing and the use of illegal fishing gear has seen fish stocks in
Lake Malawi diminishing to the point that local people's livelihoods and food security are
now under threat (IRIN, 07/11/2014).
Sahel Food Crisis: Regional Overview
Since September 2014, the number of people suffering from food insecurity in the Sahel
has decreased from 24.7 million to 19.8 million p as of December 2014. At least 2.6 million
have crossed the emergency threshold and require urgent food assistance. The situation
has improved in some areas and deteriorated in others (OCHA, 17/12/2014).
Health and Nutrition
2.1 million people are considered to be in need of healthcare (OCHA, 17/11/2014).
56
Ebola
On 18 January, Mali was declared Ebola-free by the Government and WHO, after 42
days without reporting any new cases (WHO, 18/01/2015).
Nutrition
As of 30 September 2014, 136,000 children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, and
360,000 suffer from moderate acute malnutrition (OCHA, 07/10/2014). According to a
nutritional survey, GAM rates are particularly concerning in Yelimane, Kayes, and
relatively high in most of the country, apart from Sikasso and some areas of Mopti and
Kayes (OCHA, 27/08/2014).
Updated: 21/01/2015
MAURITANIA FOOD INSECURITY, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
15 January: Three anti-slavery activists were sentenced to two years in prison, one of
whom was the candidate in the 2014 presidential election. Police used tear gas and
batons to disperse condemning the judgement.
December: A nutrition survey carried out in Mbera camp in November 2014 showed a
significant decrease in both global acute malnutrition (from 11.8% to 9.9%) and severe
acute malnutrition (1.4% to 0.8%) (UNICEF).
Severe acute malnutrition among children is projected to increase 181,000 over the
course of 2015 (OCHA, 15/01/2015).
WASH
About 840,000 people are in need of WASH assistance, the majority of whom live in
the northern regions of Gao, Kidal, Timbuktu, Mopti and Segou, and are IDPs,
returnees and host families without access to safe drinking water (OCHA,
15/01/2015).
Shelter and NFIs
Some 378,000 people are in need of NFIs and 137,000 in need of shelter. Those of
concern are mainly IDPs and returnees (OCHA, 15/01/2015).
Education
KEY CONCERNS
- 384,000 people estimated to needing humanitarian assistance in 2014 (OCHA,
08/2014).
- 800,000 people are estimated to be food insecure, of whom 190,000 are severely food
insecure (OCHA, 02/2014).
- 31,000 SAM cases up to March 2014 mean that acute malnutrition level has already
surpassed the estimated caseload for the year (UNICEF, 03/2014).
- Security challenges continue to be a problem in Mbera refugee camp on the border
with Mali. Mauritania is the largest recipient of refugees fleeing the conflict in Mali
(UNHCR, 06/2014 and OCHA, 04/2014).
In the three northern regions as well as several areas in Mopti affected by the
conflict, access to education has been disrupted for an estimated 260,000 children.
This includes 20,000 displaced children expected to return to the north in 2015, about
16,000 children who have been out of school for two years, and those living in areas
affected by insecurity and who have limited access to schools. 350 schools are still
closed (OCHA, 15/01/205).
Political Context
Protection
The first legislative elections since 2006 were held in 2013, and the country’s ruling Union
for the Republic and its allies won 76 of 147 seats. The National Electoral Commission
announced a record turnout of 75% of 1.2 million registered voters. However, the vote was
boycotted by most opposition parties. The credibility of the Government continues to be
questioned by much of the northern population, who claim they are being marginalised
concerning the provision of basic services.
Explosive remnants of war caused 101 casualties from 2012 to June 2014 (OCHA,
30/06/2014).
In early May 2014, a UN report on the situation of children in Mali noted grave violations by
armed groups active in the north and, to a lesser extent, by Malian armed forces and progovernment militias, including killings, sexual violence, and recruitment (UN Security
Council, 15/05/2014). Allegedly carrying out forced recruitment, suspected Islamist fighters
kidnapped ten children and killed two who tried to escape on 22 November, near Aguelhoc
and Kidal (Reuters, 22/11/2014).
National Political Context
On 21 June, President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz was elected for another five-year term.
Most opposition parties boycotted the poll, citing a lack of electoral reform.
On 15 January, three anti-slavery activists were sentenced to two years in prison,
one of whom was the candidate in the 2014 presidential election. Police used tear gas
and batons to disperse condemning the judgement. Police used teargas and batons
to disperse protestors condemning the judgement. The practice of slavery was
officially designated a punishable crime in 2007 (AFP, 15/01/2015).
57
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Displacement
Malian Refugees
58
19.8 million people in the Sahel (Burkina Faso, north Cameroon, Chad, the Gambia, Mali,
Mauritania, Niger, north Nigeria, and Senegal) are suffering from food insecurity as of
December 2014 (OCHA, 17/12/2014). Food insecurity in 2014 has risen dramatically
compared to 2013, when 11.3 million people had inadequate food (OCHA, 03/02/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Mauritania hosts almost 55,000 Malian refugees as of 1 September (OCHA, 08/09/2014).
Almost all refugees live in Mbera camp, a remote desert location on the border that has
significant security challenges, and where food insecurity and malnutrition are high.
According to UNICEF, 60% of camp residents are women and children, and many have
been in the camp for two years, resulting in overlapping emergency and medium-term
needs.
Security problems and the inaccessibility of areas of northern Mali make it difficult to
obtain return figures. A tripartite agreement is being prepared between UNHCR, Mali, and
Mauritania to facilitate the safe return of refugees.
Food Security
Poor households in northwestern areas of the agropastoral zone will continue to have
difficulty maintaining regular food access and will remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2) through
December (FEWSNET, 09/2014). Access to food is difficult for some due to high prices of
coarse grains such as sorghum and wheat. Sorghum prices in Nouakchott increased by
57% between February and August (FAO, 11/2014).
In February, nearly 800,000 people, a fifth of the total population, were food insecure,
including 190,000 severely food insecure (OCHA, 02/2014).
Agriculture
Delays in replanting have been recorded as a result of delayed and below-average rainfall
in some parts of the country (FEWSNET, 14/10/2014).
Outlook
Without additional, well-targeted emergency assistance, more than 600,000 households
could face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) acute food insecurity by June. An Emergency (IPC Phase
4) is possible by September 2015 in the absence of emergency response (FEWSNET,
18/11/2014).
Poor rainfall during the June to October season in south-central Mauritania will result in
significantly below-average main and off-season harvests, reduced seasonal labour
incomes, and reduced income from livestock sales. Prices of sorghum are also expected
to rise above the five-year average due to below-average local production and atypically
low trade flows (FEWSNET, 17/11/2014). In February/March 2015, more than 300,000 poor
01562315 in affected areas of the Senegal River Valley (near the border between
Mauritania and Senegal) and western agro-pastoral zones (southwestern Mauritania) will
begin to face food consumption gaps.
Food Security in the Sahel Region
Nutrition
In December, UNICEF reported that 124,000 children were acutely malnourished in
November 2014, including 30,740 children with severe acute malnutrition; an increase of
almost 30% compared to the 2013 caseload.
Preliminary results of an August survey indicate that the national GAM rate had decreased
from 13.1% to 9.8%, with SAM at 1%. Guidimakha region is reported to have GAM of 16%,
exceeding the emergency threshold. GAM is over 10% in Gorgol, Assaba, Tagant, Hod El
Chargui and Hod El Garbi (UNICEF, 10/2014).
A nutrition survey carried out in Mbera camp in November 2014 showed a significant
decrease in both global acute malnutrition (from 11.8% to 9.9%) and severe acute
malnutrition (1.4% to 0.8%) (UNICEF, 12/2014).
Updated: 21/01/2015
NIGER FOOD INSECURITY, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
18 January 2015: Violent riots in the capital Niamey, over the depiction of Prophet
Mohammed on the cover of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, killed five people
and injured 128 others. Buildings were set on fire, including 45 churches, hotels, an
orphanage, and businesses of non-Muslim or French origin. In Zinder, five were killed
and 45 injured after the Franco-Nigerien cultural centre and several churches were set
on fire (AFP, 18/01/2015; 19/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- 5.3 million people are estimated to be food insecure (OCHA, 09/2014).
- 879,269 acutely malnourished children, 356,320 of whom are severely malnourished.
13.3% GAM among children 6–59 months (OCHA, 31/07/2014).
- 156,250 people have fled to Niger: 51,250 from Mali (UNHCR, 31/08/2014) and
119,000 from Nigeria (OCHA, 1/12/2014).
- 1,749 cases and 64 deaths have been recorded since January in a cholera epidemic,
reportedly linked to the one in neighbouring Nigeria (UNICEF, 11/2014).
Security Context
Insecurity has been rising in Niger and across the region due to crises in Libya, Mali, and
Nigeria. Terrorist threats from Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Boko Haram, and the
Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) are all of concern. France
announced mid-July that some 3,000 French troops based in Chad will operate
counterterrorist operations in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad (Reuters, 18/07/2014).
On 19 November, MUJAO attacked the town of Bani-Bangoe near the Malian border and
exchanged fire with Niger’s security forces, killing one soldier and injuring two others.
They also sabotaged the telephone network (AFP, 20/11/2014).
On 18 January 2015, violent riots in the capital Niamey, over the depiction of Prophet
Mohammed on the cover of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, killed five
people and injured 128 others. Buildings were set on fire, including 45 churches,
hotels, an orphanage, and businesses of non-Muslim or French origin. In Zinder, five
were killed and 45 injured after the Franco-Nigerien cultural centre and several
churches were set on fire (AFP, 18/01/2015; 19/01/2015).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Disasters: Floods
As of October, Over 68,000 people have been affected and 36 killed by flooding due to
heavy seasonal rainfall that started in August. 18,000 are affected in Tillabery, 12,000 in
Maradi, 9,000 in Zinder, and 9,400 in Tahoua. More than 8,100 houses and almost 2,817
hectares of crops have been destroyed (OCHA, 13/10/2014).
Displacement
Nigeria Crisis
119,000 people have arrived in Diffa region from Nigeria since May 2013, 83,850 of whom
are children and women displaced from Nigeria (UNICEF, 01/12/2014). At the beginning of
the insecurity, approximately 70% were Niger returnees and 30% Nigerian refugees; more
recently, the majority of arrivals are Nigerian refugees (UNHCR, 09/2014; OCHA,
12/12/2014)
The rate of arrival increased in the second half of 2014. 27,000 people arrived between
August and September (UNHCR and IRC). Following Boko Haram attacks in Damasack,
Nigeria, on 24 November, more than 15,000 new refugees arrived (OCHA, 3/12/2014).
They have settled in villages and Diffa town. Most are young men who fled forced
recruitment to Boko Haram; unaccompanied children were also reported (OCHA,
28/11/2014).
The newly displaced are in a critical situation, and have shelter and NFI, food, water, and
health and nutrition needs (OCHA, 24/09/2014). Sayam Forge camp was opened on 30
December, and has started voluntary relocation of refugees settled in Gagamari area. The
initial camp capacity is 5,000 persons, though the camp can be further extended
(OCHA, 14/01/2015). A second camp is scheduled to open in a few days (UNHCR,
07/01/2015; 09/01/2015). According to the International Rescue Committee, about 20,000
families have settled on islands in Lake Chad, either directly from Nigeria or from their
initial refuge in Diffa. Insecurity is limiting assistance to those who have settled on the
islands (OCHA, 12/12/2014). Security has been reinforced in Diffa town, following rumours
of possible attacks by Boko Haram (AFP, 28/11/2014).
Refugees who arrived earlier in the year are becoming host families for new arrivals,
adding to the burden on families with very limited resources (IFRC, 03/10/2014). Internal
displacement within Diffa region is increasing, driven by the search for means of
subsistence and pasture: Diffa is vulnerable to both flooding and drought, and has long
faced serious gaps in the provision of food staples, healthcare and potable water. The
refugees and returnees add 10% to the region’s population (UNHCR, 09/2014; IFRC,
08/08/2014; OCHA, 26/07/2014).
The Government has reportedly been slow in giving newly arrived Nigerians refugee
status, despite a December decree granting refugee status to people fleeing the states
under a state of emergency in Nigeria. As of September, only 18% of newly arrived people
had identity documents (UNHCR, 09/2014).
Mali Crisis
53,339 Malian refugees are in Niger (OCHA, 14/01/2015). As of March, 80% of refugees
were women and children. Most live in three camps in Tillabery region: Abala, Mangaize,
and Tabareybarey. Two refugee hosting areas have been established in Intikane and
Tazalit, Tahoua, for refugees from nomadic communities.
In May, Mali, Niger, and UNHCR signed a tripartite agreement on the voluntary repatriation
of Malian refugees, although the situation in northern Mali is not yet favourable for the
promotion of massive returns. As of 31 August, over 12,000 Malians have returned to their
homes (UNHCR, 31/08/2014).
Returnees from Mali constitute 14% (around 5,700 people) of the 40,800 returnees in Niger
(OCHA, 31/07/2014).
CAR Crisis: Returnees
Since December 2013, 1,160 Niger nationals have been repatriated from CAR by IOM in
coordination with the Government of Niger.
Food Security
5.3 million people are estimated to be food insecure, compared to 2.9 million in 2013
(OCHA, 31/07/2014 and 30/09/2014).
In Diffa region, almost 161,200 people (one fifth of the surveyed host population) reported
suffering from food insecurity (OCHA, 10/08/2014).
IDPs and host communities in the Diffa region will continue to face Stressed food
insecurity (IPC Phase 2) in January–March 2015 as a result of cereal deficit, deterioration
of livelihoods and pressure of existing resources. Households in the departments of
59
of livelihoods and pressure of existing resources. Households in the departments of
Ouallam (Tillabery), Tchintabaraden and Abalak (Tahoua) and Gouré (Zinder) may face
cereal deficits and will also be Stressed over this period( FEWSNET, 01/01/2015).
Sahel Food Crisis: Regional Overview
60
In Diffa region, 35 schools have been closed due to insecurity, and others are occupied by
new arrivals from Nigeria (OCHA, 12/12/2014).
Updated: 22/01//2014
19.8 million people in the Sahel (Burkina Faso, north Cameroon, Chad, the Gambia, Mali,
Mauritania, Niger, north Nigeria, and Senegal) are suffering from food insecurity as of
December 2014 (OCHA, 17/12/2014). Food insecurity in 2014 has risen dramatically
compared to 2013, when 11.3 million people had inadequate food (OCHA, 03/02/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
SENEGAL FOOD INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
No significant developments this week, 22/01/2015. Last update, 11/12/2014.
Boko Haram-related market disruptions have restrained trade flows towards Diffa and
increased marketing costs (FEWSNET, 31/07/2014).
Agricultural/Pastoral Outlook
Poor rainfall in Diffa will affect the 2014–2015 agricultural and pastoral campaign, and is
expected to cause a serious food deficit in most communities, according to a joint
assessment mission conducted in early September (IFRC, 03/10/2014). Poor pastoral
resource availability in parts of the northern Sahel will begin to stress pastoral households
from June to September 2015. Refugees from northeastern Nigeria in the Diffa region will
need continued food assistance (FEWSNET, 11/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Cholera
On 13 December, The Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak in two municipalities
of Chétimari and Diffa, in Diffa region. As of 31 December, 291 cases and 18 deaths have
been reported (OCHA, 12/2014). After the first few days of the outbreak, the incidence
rate dropped sharply (OCHA, 14/01/2014).
Cholera had been reported in September and October 2014 in other parts of Niger with a
total of 1,749 cholera cases and 64 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 3.7%
(OCHA, 11/2014).
Nutrition
Around 1.6 million children are acutely malnourished in Niger; 356,320 of them are
severely malnourished, and 12,710 are in Diffa (OCHA, 22/12/2014). GAM among children
6–59 months is at 14.8% nationwide as per the SMART nutrition survey conducted
between July and August, and exceeds the 15% emergency threshold in Maradi region
(OCHA, 09/2014).In September, GAM was at critical levels in Agadez (14.0%), Tahoua
(14.7%), Tillabery (13.4%), and Diffa (13.8%), according to OCHA.
WASH
48% of the population does not have access to safe drinking water (OCHA, 17/07/2014).
Education
KEY CONCERNS
- Over 2.6 million people are food insecure, including 477,000 in Crisis (IPC Phase 3)
(FAO, 11/12/2014).
- 326,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition, 69,000 from severe acute
malnutrition, and 257,000 from moderate acute malnutrition (OCHA, 30/11/2014).
Political Context
Separatists continue to oppose authorities in the coastal Casamance area. Salif Sadio,
leader of the separatist movement, declared a unilateral ceasefire on 30 April, as proof of
engagement in an ongoing peace process.
Humanitarian Context and Needs
At October, 2.6 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance. It is expected that
4.13 million will require assistance in 2015 due to climatic conditions, a rise in food prices,
and reduced cross-border exchanges (OCHA, 30/11/2014).
Disasters
150,000 people were affected by floods in 2014. Around 300,000 are affected every year,
causing significant damage to crops and property (OCHA, 31/10/2014).
Displacement
As of 30 September, there were 14,000 refugees in Senegal, as well as 2,000 IDPs and
returnees (OCHA, 30/09/2014).
Food Security
Over 477,000 people are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food security conditions and above as a
result of the lingering effects of previous crises and the impact of the erratic rains in 2014.
An additional 2.16 million people are in Stressed conditions (IPC Phase 2) (FAO,
11/12/2014).
Humanitarian assistance is urgently needed to prevent food consumption gaps in 2015
(FEWSNET, 03/12/2014). National production for cereals and cash crops in 2014 is 45%
below the five-year average due to irregular rains over May–August (FEWSNET,
30/11/2014). Production of groundnuts is also anticipated to decline significantly, and
grazing resources and water points have been depleted in the major pastoral areas
(FEWSNET, 13/11/2014). Significantly lower off-season cultivation activity is expected, as
it relies on irrigation, as is decreased income from livestock sales (FEWSNET,
03/12/2014).
Poor households, especially in Thiès, Louga, Matam, and northern Tambacounda, will
likely be Stressed in March 2015. Approximately 850,000 people across central and
northern Senegal will be in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) by May, in the absence of assistance
(FEWSNET, 03/12/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
Poorly distributed and significantly below-average rainfall led to poor cropping conditions
for much of central and northern Senegal.
Reviewed: 22/01/2015
BURUNDI FOOD INSECURITY, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
16 January: Opposition figures have been jailed, raising concerns of violence ahead of
the elections (AFP, IRIN).
KEY CONCERNS
- 78,958 people are in IPC Phase 3 and 4 while another 610,000 are food insecure
(OCHA, 30/11/2014).
Political Context
As a result of the closure of borders and markets due to Ebola containment measures,
trade volumes have fallen 50% below last year’s levels, leading to a 40% and 50%
increase in the prices of palm oil and coffee, respectively, in less than four weeks (WFP,
15/09/2014).
Since the President’s re-election in 2010, scores of political killings, intimidation of the
opposition, and a crackdown on media freedom have been reported. Most recently,
observers stated concerns on restrictions on civil and political rights, following a series of
violent acts by the ruling party’s increasingly militant youth wing, Imbonerakure. On 12
December, the UN political mission in Burundi closed after 20 years (AFP, 12/12/2014).
Sahel Food Crisis: Regional Overview
2015 General Elections: Proposed Constitutional Amendments
9.8 million people in the Sahel (Burkina Faso, north Cameroon, Chad, the Gambia, Mali,
Mauritania, Niger, north Nigeria, and Senegal) are suffering from food insecurity as of
December 2014 (OCHA, 17/12/2014).
Deteriorating relations between the parties within the ruling coalition stem mainly from the
desire of President Nkurunziza, first elected in 2005, to run for a third term in June 2015
elections. On 9 June, the Government, the National Independent Electoral Commission
(CENI), and all political parties and actors signed the General Principles for the conduct of
the 2015 elections (UN, 10/06/2014). The UN Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi’s
(MENUB) mandate includes following and reporting on the presidential, parliamentary, and
local elections scheduled between May and September 2015 (UN, 03/01/2015). The
Government has recently stated that MENUB’s mandate is limited, and does not cover
validating the results. The Government did not attend MENUB’s launch (AFP, 12/01/2015).
In Mid-January, opposition figures were jailed for bribery and rebel links, raising
concerns of violence ahead of the elections (AFP, IRIN, 16/01/2015).
Health and Nutrition
Ebola
Senegal reopened its air and sea borders with Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone on 15
November. The frontiers had been closed since 21 August. Territorial borders with Guinea
remain closed (AFP, 15/11/2014).
Porous borders between Senegal and Guinea and trade flows via regular weekly markets
constitute a serious risk to the spread of Ebola to the country (Red Cross, 29/09/2014).
Nutrition
326,000 children were acutely malnourished in 2014, including 69,000 suffering from SAM,
compared to 63,323 SAM and 255,675 MAM cases reported in 2013 (OCHA, 30/11/2014).
WASH
38.7% of rural families and 61.7% of urban households have access to sanitation (OCHA,
30/11/2014).
Security Context
The Burundian army has claimed it killed 100 armed fighters in the first week of January in
Rwesero, north of Bujumbura, after having crossed from East Kivu in DRC. They were
reportedly trying to reach Kibira forest, an area used as a base by opposition groups in the
past. Army reports have suggested that a major offensive has been planned to destabilise
the country ahead of the elections (AFP, 05 and 06/01/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Disasters
61
Flooding
On 24 December, heavy rains in Tuyigi province, eastern Burundi, destroyed more than
750 houses (Government, 26/12/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
As of August, 78,958 people were in IPC Phase 3 and 4 (OCHA, 05/08/2014), while another
610,000 are food insecure (OCHA, 30/11/2014).
WASH
Nearly 4.3 million people in Burundi (43% of the population) do not have access to
improved sanitation facilities (Belgian Technical Cooperation, 10/10/2014).
Updated: 22/01/2014
As of September, Burundi has 78,940 IDPs (UNHCR, 31/11/2014). They are mostly ethnic
Tutsis, located in and around 120 sites across northern and central Burundi. No new
displacement has been recorded since 2008 (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre).
Refugees
As of September, Burundi is host to 49,800 refugees, mostly from DRC (UNHCR,
31/11/2014). Refugees are mainly located in the border regions of Ngozi (north, alongside
Rwanda), Ruyigi, Muyinga, and Cankuzo (east, alongside Tanzania) and Bubanza (west,
alongside DRC).
7,000 DRC refugees living in Musasa camp, in northern Burundi, are demanding better
conditions, protesting at poor food availability, reduced health services, and substandard
education services (local media, 10/11/2014).
Returnees
By end September, 850 Burundian refugees in the DRC had returned to their homeland in
2014 (UNHCR, 30/09/2014).
43,000 Burundians living in Tanzania have been forcibly repatriated. 65% are women and
children. Many returnees have chosen to return to their province of origin without being
registered, due to a lack of reception facilities at entry points (IOM, 01/2014).
The high number of IDPs and refugees returning to their places of origin is aggravating
tensions over land ownerhship, as returneeds claim land where other families, often of a
different ethnic background, have since settled.
Burundian Refugees in Neighbouring countries
As of 1 September, 14,367 Burundian refugees and asylum-seekers were residing in
Uganda. Most Burundian refugees are located in Nakivale and Oruchinga (UNHCR,
23/09/2014).
As of 30 September, 9,233 Burundian refugees were residing in the DRC (UNHCR,
30/09/2014).
As of 31 July, 6,568 Burundian refugees were residing in Kenya (UNHCR, 31/07/2014),
most of the located in Kakuma Camp.
Food Security
NAMIBIA FOOD INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
No significant developments this week, 22/01/2015. Last update, 17/12/2014.
KEY CONCERNS
- More than 110,000 people are in need of food assistance and over half a million people
are at risk of food insecurity from June to December 2014 (Food and Nutrition Security
working group, 22/07/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Food Security
As of July, 117,660 people were affected by a food security crisis and around 557,900
people in rural areas were at risk of food insecurity and requiring assistance, some
200,000 people less than the previous season. The food insecure population is found
primarily in Kunene, and parts of Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, and Erongo regions
(SADC, 08/2014).
The northern regions have been worst affected by the 2013 drought, with the largest
number of food insecure in Kavango and Ohangwena. Households have employed negative
coping strategies, including reducing the numbers of meals and increasing consumption of
wild foods.
Agriculture and Markets
Heavy rains received in some parts of Omusati Region mid-December and potential
flooding in Kabbe in Zambezi region have raised fears among farmers that they might lead
to a negative yield in the next harvest (Local media, 17/12/2014).
National cereal production was 136,680 metric tons over the 2013-2014 season, a
significant increase from the 2012-2013 season’s harvest but still below the five-year
average (OCHA, 26/09/2014). Crop harvests as of 22 September were 20–50% lower than
in the same period in 2013 due to localised dry spells, and agricultural employment
opportunities had been reduced by 40–65%. Agricultural assistance is needed for the areas
62
most affected by the 2013 drought (OCHA, 22/09/2014).
Reviewed: 22/01/2015
UGANDA DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
16 January: Around 146,000 refugees will have their food rations halved in January due
to funding issues (WFP through UNHCR).
from DRC (45%), South Sudan (38%), Somalia (6%), Rwanda (4%) and Burundi (3%) and
others (4%) (UNHCR, 30/11/2014).
As of 15 January, 137,992 South Sudanese refugees had fled to Uganda since
December 2013 (UNHCR, 15/01/2015). The number of refugees entering the country
decreased in late December but spiked in the second week of January, as Madis
arrived from Equatoria (UNCHR, 14/01/2015). All three settlements saw a dramatic
increase in new arrivals earlier in December, reportedly due to increased tensions and
tribal clashes in the Equatoria region, as well as the beginning of the dry season (UNHCR,
WFP, 12/12/2014).
- 137,992 South Sudanese refugees have fled to Uganda since December 2013.
(UNHCR, 24/11/2014).
Refugees are hosted in settlements in Adjumani, Kiryandongo, Kampala and Arua districts
(UNHCR, 24/11/2014). Arua, Adjumani, and Kiryandongo are stretched far beyond
capacity, and there is an urgent need to improve shelter, WASH, health, food, and
psychological support (Red Cross, 17/09/2014). Hygiene practices and behaviours are
lacking due to limited awareness among refugees (Red Cross, 30/09/2014). At 1
December, 93,050 South Sudanese refugees were in Adjumani (UNHCR, 09/01/2014).
Women and children account for 87% of arriving refugees; half are children under 12 years
(FAO, 11/11/2014). 3,750 people with special needs are in 176 adapted shelters (IOM,
26/10/2014). Nearly 365 unaccompanied minors have been reported.
- 19.9% GAM among South Sudanese refugees. GAM is above 10% in Karamoja
(OCHA, 05/08/2014; WFP, 06/2014).
The Ugandan Government has secured additional land in Moyo district in order to settle
newly arrived refugees (UNICEF, 20/08/2014).
15 January: The number of South Sudanese refugees entering the country spiked in the
second week of January (UNHCR).
KEY CONCERNS
Security Context
In September 2014, the Ugandan police foiled an alleged Al Shabaab attack in Kampala,
seizing large amounts of explosives and suicide vests (BBC News, 14/09/2014).
Lord’s Resistance Army Chief Dominic Ongwen, wanted by the International Criminal Court
for crimes against humanity and war crimes, surrendered to US Special Forces in CAR in
early January. He has, urged ex-comrades to stop fighting (AFP, 12/01/2015). He was
transferred to ICC custody on 17 January (ICC, 20/01/2015).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
Access was seriously disrupted between Adjumani refugee camp and Elegu border point,
following flash floods that submerged sections of the road (UNHCR, 03/12/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
As of December, Uganda has 30,130 IDPs (OCHA, 30/11/2014).
Refugees in Uganda
As of 1 November, there were 405,300 refugees and asylum seekers in Uganda, mainly
Ugandan Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
At 31 July, there were 1,263 Ugandan refugees in Kenya (UNHCR, 31/07/2014). At 30
June, there were 1,211 Ugandan refugees in DRC (UNHCR, 30/06/2014).
Food Security
In Karamoja, about 700,000 people remain at Stressed (IPC Phase 2) level of food
insecurity (FEWSNET, 31/12/2014). Localised areas in Karamoja remain in Crisis (IPC
Phase 3) acute food insecurity, including Kaabong and Moroto (FEWSNET, 29/11/2014).
Households in eastern Karamoja are projected to be in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) from April
2015 (FEWSNET, 27/10/2014). For the second year in a row, a well below-average harvest
will lead to an early lean season in the area (FEWSNET, 27/10/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Health centres in Arua, Adjumani, and Kyriandongo require additional staff, space, and
supplies to respond to refugee needs (UNICEF, 20/08/2014).
Cholera
Cholera outbreaks have been identified in the northwestern districts of Arua and Moyo
(UNICEF, 20/08/2014).
Nutrition
63
Around 146,000 refugees will have their food rations halved in January due to
funding issues, WFP has announced (UNHCR, 16/01/2015). Blanket feeding
programmes are required to address increased GAM among South Sudanese refugees in
West Nile, in northwest Uganda (WFP, 01/10/2014). GAM among South Sudanese
refugees in Uganda had reached 19.9% as of August (OCHA, 05/08/2014).
Malnutrition remains the main challenge in Arua, and it is most pronounced among the host
population (UNHCR, 12/12/2014).
WASH
In Kiryandango refugee camp, self-relocation by refugees is causing delay in completing
construction of latrines (UNHCR, 05/12/2014).
There are concerns over lack of water supply in Alere, Boroli and Olua I and II refugee
settlements in Adjumani district, where the average supply is 9.7 litres of water per person
per day, far below the minimum standard of 15 (ACT, 13/10/2014).
In Amudat district, safe water access, latrine access, and sanitation issues are a serious
concern (WFP, UNICEF, 06/2014).
Protection
Four Muslim clerics were kidnapped in Kampala on 8 January (BBC, 08/01/2015).
47 SGBV incidents were reported in Kyriandongo in 2014 (UNHCR, 12/12/2014).
Human Rights Watch issued a report in November asserting that the Government
response to deadly ethnic violence and reprisals in the Rwenzori region in western Uganda
in July has been inadequate. Bakonzo community members attacked police and army
posts in several districts, which sparked reprisals by other ethnic groups and security
forces, followed by what HRW calls “brutal counter-security against Bakonzo civilians”
(HRW, 05/11/2014).
Updated: 21/01/2015
ERITREA FOOD INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
16 January: The Commission on Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea has still not been
granted direct access to Eritrea, six months after it was established (UNHCR).
No accurate or verified data relating to the food security situation or food price
levels in Eritrea is available, therefore Eritrea is not included in the Global
Overview prioritisation.
KEY CONCERNS
64
- Torture, arbitrary detention, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression,
association, and religion are common in Eritrea (UN, HRW).
- Ongoing human rights abuses prompt thousands of Eritreans to flee the country every
year. In December 2013, Ethiopia was hosting an estimated 84,200 Eritrean refugees
(UNHCR).
- Over 60% of the Eritrean population was reported as being undernourished between
2011 and 2013 (WFP).
Political Context
Human rights abuses, including torture, arbitrary detention, and severe restrictions on
freedom of expression, association, and religion are common in Eritrea (UN Special
Rapporteur, Human Rights Watch). Conscription to national service can last indefinitely,
and is reportedly poorly paid. Harassment of citizens by authorities, on the grounds of their
plotting to leave Eritrea, is reportedly widespread (UN Human Rights Council, 31/03/2014).
In September, the UN Human Rights Council set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate
human rights abuses in Eritrea (Human Rights Watch, 24/09/2014). By 16 January, the
Commission had not been granted direct access to Eritrea (UNHRC, 16/01/2015).
President Isaias Afewerki, who has ruled for over 20 years, uses the pretext of previous
border conflicts with Ethiopia to justify tight control over its people (New York Times,
03/10/2014). Attempts to bring the various competing parties under one political
umbrella have been mostly unsuccessful and no consensus has been reached
regarding a roadmap for democratic transition (19/01/2015, Norwegian Peacebuilding
Resource Centre)
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
There is a lack of updated and reliable data on the humanitarian situation due to limited
humanitarian access. As reported in ECHO’s Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP) of
October 2013, providing direct humanitarian assistance remains a challenge due to limited
access, and absence of assessments and humanitarian space.
In November-December 2013, several projects in partnership with the UN and the
Government commenced; the Government had previously ordered the end of all operations
by non-state development partners by the end of 2012 (IFRC, 30/05/2014). On 24 April,
according to media sources, the UAE Red Cross had access to a million children across
six provinces to distribute clothing.
Displacement
Refugees
As of 31 May, 3,136 refugees reside in Eritrea, including 3,056 Somalian refugees
(UNHCR).
Eritrean Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
Government officially denies any food shortages within its borders and refuses food aid.
According to 2012 UNHCR figures, there are 300,000 Eritrean refugees in neighbouring
countries as well as in Europe and Israel. According to UN figures, some 4,000 Eritreans,
among them hundreds of unaccompanied minors, are fleeing the country every month to
escape government repression and lack of basic freedoms (UN, 05/06/2014). One in every
3,411 Eritreans have fled their country (All Africa, 21/10/2014)
Health and Nutrition
Ethiopia: As of mid-November, Ethiopia is hosting an estimated 99,000 Eritrean refugees,
who are mainly settled in four camps in the northern Tigray and Afar region (OCHA).
Arrival rates spiked towards the end of 2014. 5,000 Eritreans entered in October, and by
24 November another 2,173 had arrived (OCHA, 24/11/2014).
About 90% of those who arrived in October were between 18 and 24 years old, and cited
intensified mandatory recruitment into military service as their reason for flight (local news,
15/11/2014). The high proportion of unaccompanied minors who cross from Eritrea to
Ethiopia is a priority problem (UNHCR).
Sudan: Eastern Sudan received an average of 500 Eritrean refugees per month in 2013,
down from 2,000 a month in 2012. Sudan reportedly hosts at least 114,500 Eritrean
refugees.
Djibouti: Djibouti receives an estimated 110 Eritreans each month (UNHCR). On 30 June,
74 Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers were sent back from Sudan, after being
convicted of illegally entering Sudan (UNHCR, 04/07/2014).
According to FAO in 2013, over 60% of the Eritrean population was reported to be
undernourished during 2011–2013.
Malaria
According to a government report, malaria infections have visibly declined thanks to higher
community awareness and regard for environmental hygiene (Government of Eritrea,
24/09/2014). No figures are available to confirm this information.
Protection
On 13 May, the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea
was released. It focuses on the indefinite national service and arbitrary arrest and
detention, including incommunicado detention and inhumane prison conditions. Rampant
human rights violations cause hundreds of thousands to leave the country (UN Human
Rights Council).
Between 5,000 and 10,000 political prisoners are being held in a country of just over six
million people. The UN human rights chief has accused the government of torture and
summary executions (UN Human Rights Council, 05/02/2014).
Updated: 22/01/2015
Yemen: Hundreds of Eritrean refugees are currently in Yemen. Reports indicate hundreds
of Eritrean refugees are scattered across the streets of Al Safeyah in Sana’a, without
proper shelter or livelihood. Refugees have informed UNHCR that most are imprisoned
upon arrival in Yemen, who state security concerns (Yemen Times, 19/08/2014). Several
NGOs have called on the Yemeni authorities to stop deporting Eritrean political refugees
(UNHCR).
ASIA
Kenya: As of 1 January, there are 1,566 Eritrean refugees in Kenya, most are located
in Nairobi (UNHCR, 22/01/2015).
Food Security
As indicated in ECHO’s October HIP, as a result of access restrictions imposed by the
authorities, very little data on food security in Eritrea is available.; satellite-based
monitoring shows above-average vegetation conditions in Debub, Maekel, Gash Barka,
and Anseba zobas thanks to good kiremti rains (FEWSNET, 02/09/2014). Harvesting is
expected to start in the beginning of November (GIEWS, 28/10/2014). The Red Sea
coastal area, however, has seen low precipitation and moisture deficits, indicating
significant deterioration of grazing resources (FEWSNET, 02/09/2014).
It is estimated that Eritrea produces only 60% of the food it needs, and markets do not
seem to be functioning properly. These two factors suggest that a significant part of the
population may be in need of food assistance. In addition, local food and fuel prices are
likely to remain high, putting severe pressure on household coping mechanisms. The
AFGHANISTAN CONFLICT, FLOODS, FOOD INSECURITY, LANDSLIDES,
DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
No significant developments, 26/01/2015. Last update 20/01/2015.
65
KEY CONCERNS
- 9,617 civilians killed or injured January–November (UNAMA, 19/12/2014). At 15
November, 19,469 security incidents, a 10% increase compared to the same period in
2013 (UN, 09/12/2014).
- 7.4 million in need of humanitarian aid at end November. Badghis, Helmand, Kunar,
Nangarhar and Wardak most need assistance (OCHA, 25/11/2014).
- Nearly 286,750 Pakistani refugees in Khost and Paktika in need of health, WASH,
food, shelter, and livelihood support (UNHCR, 14/01/2015).
- 16,266 returnees in 2014 and 805,409 IDPs including 156,200 people displaced by
conflict in 2014 (UNHCR, 31/12/2014).
- 7 million people are severely food insecure (IPC, 01/11/2014), while 5.4 million need
access to health services and 1.7 million need protection.
- 853,000 children under five suffer from SAM, and eight provinces show GAM rates
above 15%, breaching the emergency threshold (OCHA, 31/07/2014; 28/10/2014).
OVERVIEW
Natural disasters and armed conflicts in Afghanistan have caused humanitarian crisis.
Assistance needs include food, healthcare, and protection.
The Afghan Government faces both internal and external challenges to its capacity and
legitimacy, and the outcome of the 2014 presidential election will have implications for
the country’s internal cohesion. The security environment is highly volatile and expected
to deteriorate as international troops gradually withdraw from the country.
Political Context
On 29 September, Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah were sworn in as Afghanistan’s
new President and Prime Minister, respectively (Reuters, 29/09/2014). The pair were rival
presidential candidates in disputed elections (AFP, 26/09/2014).
Peace Talks with the Taliban
Although various official and informal sources have evoked renewed preliminary contacts
between Kabul and the Taliban, no substantial talks have yet been launched. Peace talks
with the Afghan Taliban have been stalled since mid-2013.
Security Context
Harassment and intimidation by anti-government forces, inter-tribal disputes, cross-border
shelling in Kunar province, and clashes between state and anti-government forces in
Farhah, Nangarhar, Ghazni, Badghis, Maidan Wardak, Parwan, Kunduz, Logar, Helmand,
and Kapisa provinces were major causes of insecurity and displacement in 2014 (UNHCR,
30/09/2014). Conflict between state and anti-government elements was ongoing in Kunar,
Maidan Wardak, Helmand and Kapisa provinces end December (UNHCR, 31/12/2014).
9,617 civilians were killed or injured by conflict between January and November 2014;
3,188 were killed, the highest annual toll since 2009. Children civilian casualties increased
33% compared to 2013, with casualties among women up 12% (UNAMA, 19/12/2014).
International Military Presence
NATO formally ended its combat mission in Afghanistan on 31 December, moving to the
Resolute Support mission made up of 9,800 US troops and 3,000 soldiers from other
member states. The mission will focus on supporting Afghan forces’ fight against the
Taliban, along with US counter-terrorism operations. The move will test the readiness of
350,000 Afghan forces to deal with intensified Taliban attacks (Reuters, 01/01/2015).
Taliban
The Taliban claimed victory against NATO as it ended its combat mission, and said they
would continue their fight against remaining foreign forces in the country (Al Arabiya,
29/12/2014). Remote parts of southern and southeastern Afghanistan, near the border with
Pakistan, remain under Taliban control. Taliban numbers have increased by 15% since the
beginning of 2013, as the group intensified attacks.
Conflict Developments and Incidents
Kabul: A suicide attack targeting an EU police vehicle killed at least one passer-by on 5
January (AFP, 05/01/2015). The capital had been hit by at least 12 suicide attacks over 1
November – 13 December 2014, mainly targeting foreigners (AFP, 13/12/2014).
Helmand: Shelling in Sangin on 1 January killed 25 civilians and injured a further 45 (UN,
01/01/2015). A Taliban attack on 17 December killed six people, including three police, and
injured seven (AFP, 17/12/2014).
Kunar: Clashes involving the Taliban, Afghan militants and ANSF in Dangam district
over three weeks in December killed five civilians and injured eleven (OCHA,
31/12/2014).
Nangarhar: Six people were killed by an IED explosion in Nangarhar on 17 January
(UNAMA, 18/01/2015). Gunmen killed a police officer and two civilians, and wounded
seven others in Nangarhar on 31 December (Radio Liberty, 31/12/2014).
Other incidents: An explosion in Jaghuri district in Ghazni killed eight and injured two on
20 January (AFP, 20/01/2015). A police officer opened fire on fellow officers in Uruzgan
province on 30 December, killing three and wounding five (Radio Liberty, 31/12/2014).
A suicide attack in Yahya Khail district of Paktika province on 23 November killed 57
civilians and injured 60, the country’s deadliest single attack since 2011 (AFP,
24/11/2014).
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Humanitarian Context and Needs
and NFIs, shelter, cash, and livelihood opportunities (UNHCR, 30/09/2014).
At end November, 7.4 million of people in Afghanistan need humanitarian aid. Badghis,
Helmand, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Wardak most need assistance (OCHA, 25/11/2014).
IDPs are particularly impacted by the severe winter temperatures (UN, 07/01/2015). In
November, people began leaving IDP camps where shelters are inadequate for winter
(FEWSNET, 01/11/2014). Most IDPs in conflict-affected areas are with host families, in
rented accommodation or in emergency shelters.
Access
Lack of access to verify displacement and respond to immediate needs of IDPs continues
to be a significant challenge (UNHCR, 31/12/2014).
Movement restrictions are increasingly being applied to aid workers. Access continues to
present challenges to humanitarian actors in Helmand and in the eastern region,
particularly in Kunar and Nangarhar (OCHA, 31/10/2014). Road closures between
Lashkar Gah and Sangin in Helmand hamper efforts to transport wounded from the
districts to the provincial hospitals (OCHA, 31/12/2014).
International military withdrawal raises concerns over reduced funding affecting the
sustainability of services available to the population (Handicap International, 04/12/2014).
Security Incidents Involving Aid Workers
The Mine Action Programme in Afghanistan was directly affected by 37 incidents that
resulted in 34 deaths among its personnel and 27 injuries in 2014, including 12 mine
clearance workers killed in a Taliban attack in Helmand in December (UN, 15/01/2015).
There were 293 incidents against aid workers in 2014, including 13 in December
resulting in one wounded and five abducted, compared to eight aid workers killed and
12 abducted in 23 incidents in November and four killed and 13 abducted in October
(OCHA, 31/12/2014, 30/11/2014).
Disasters
Around 117,280 people were affected by natural hazards in 2014, mainly floods and heavy
rainfall in northern and central Afghanistan (IOM, 14/01/2015).
Displacement
IDPs
At end December, there were 805,400 profiled IDPs in Afghanistan, mainly in southern,
western, and eastern areas; 156,200 of these were displaced by conflict in 2014 (UNHCR,
31/12/2014).
In December, 6,120 IDPs were displaced from Kapisa to Kabul, 3,556 were displaced in
Ghazni, 2,209 in Badghis, including from Ghor province, 2,024 in Kunar and 1,930 in
Farhah, an increase on November numbers; priority needs are for food, NFIs, winterisation
assistance, and cash grants (UNHCR, 31/12/2014).
About 73,000 IDPs were living in urban areas in Kabul, Hirat, Mazar-e-Sharif and in
settlements outside Hirat early November (OCHA, 06/11/2014). Priority needs are for food
Refugees in Afghanistan
Displacement from Pakistan to Afghanistan’s Khost and Paktika provinces has continued
since mid-June. At 14 January, these provinces were hosting nearly 286,750 refugees
(40,012 families) from Pakistan (UNHCR, 14/01/2015). 281,180 were in need of assistance
at 31 December (FEWSNET, 31/12/2014). More than 1,200 new families reportedly arrived
in Matun and Alisher districts in Khost early January (UNHCR, 14/01/2015).
Gulan camp in Khost hosts around 6,400 families, but more than 80% of refugees live in
host communities, which are often remote and difficult to access, and stretched beyond
capacity (UNHCR, 14/01/2015; 03/12/2014). Gurboz district in Khost and Bermei in
Paktika have the highest number of refugees, with 11,410 and 10,215 families,
respectively.
Health, WASH, food, shelter, and mine clearance are priorities; additional needs include
winterisation, education, and livelihood support (UNHCR, 02/10/2014). Host communities’
resilience is expected to decrease over winter months as resources are exhausted and
available shelter is limited (UNHCR, 23/10/2014).
An additional 600,000 Baloch refugees who have fled insurgency activities in Pakistan
since 1986 are living in precarious conditions in Afghanistan, notably in Nimroz (AAN,
31/12/2014).
Kabul: As of 11 December, 40,629 refugees were in 52 informal settlements in the capital
(OCHA, 17/12/2014). The most populated are Charahi Qamber (7,436 individuals),
Chamani Babrak (3,429) and Puli Campany (3,652) (OCHA, 17/12/2014).
Returnees
Around 7,700 Afghans have been reported to have returned to Khost, Paktika, Kabul,
and Nangarhar provinces from Pakistan’s North Waziristan since fighting broke out
in June 2014 (IOM, 21/01/2015).
At 30 September, 16,266 Afghan refugees had voluntarily repatriated in 2014, a 57%
decrease on 2013, partly due to the extension of Proof of Registration cards in Pakistan
until 31 December 2015 and security concerns in Afghanistan. 32% returned to northern
and northeastern regions, 27.6% to central regions and 13.5% to eastern regions (UNHCR,
30/11/2014). Returnees are in need of income-generating activities, vocational training, and
technical education (IMC, 31/08/2014).
Afghan Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
As of 30 September, there were 2.5 million Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries
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(USAID, 01/10/2014).
Access to health facilities may also be hampered by winter weather (WHO, 03/11/2014).
Food Security
Conflict is causing widespread disruption to health services (WHO 24/07/2014). There is a
shortage of trained surgeons, anaesthetists and trauma capacity in conflict-affected areas
(OCHA, 25/11/2014). Nearly 80% of maternal and reproductive health needs are unmet
(WHO, 10/12/2014).
About 7 million people (23% of the population) are severely food insecure (IPC Phase 3 or
higher). 15 provinces are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3), mainly in northern and central parts of
the country, and 17 are Stressed (IPC Phase 2) (IPC, 01/11/2014). In Badakhshan, 32% of
the population is in Emergency (154,680) and 24% in Crisis (114,977).
IDPs inaccessible to humanitarian agencies, particularly in insecure districts in Helmand,
are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food security, having lost much of their access to income and
not receiving assistance (FEWSNET, 01/11/2014). Pakistani refugees in Khost and
Paktika provinces, as well as hosting families, are expected to be Stressed (IPC Phase 2)
until March, but only thanks to continued humanitarian assistance (FEWSNET,
31/12/2014).
Households in Badghis province will be Stressed (IPC Phase 2) through March 2015 at
least, due to a below-average 2014 harvest. Those who have been unable to stock
adequate food for the winter and lean season may enter Crisis from January to March as
the winter reduces market access (FEWSNET, 01/11/2014).
Due to a funding shortfall, WFP has been able to pre-position only 35% of food
assistance for an estimated 830,000 people ahead of winter (OCHA, 31/12/2014). 54
districts in central Afghanistan will be impossible to access in winter, affecting around
750,000 conflict-displaced WFP beneficiaries (OCHA, 15/10/2014).
Nutrition
Over 853,000 children under five are severely malnourished (OCHA, 28/10/2014).
Provinces in need of attention are Uruzgan, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Khost, Paktia, Wardak,
Kunar, and Laghman, where GAM rates are breaching the emergency threshold of 15%
(National Nutrition Survey, OCHA 31/07/2014).
Less than 20% of children with SAM and MAM received the treatment they needed in 2014
(OCHA, 25/11/2014). Some 189,000 deaths of under-fives are most likely attributable to
malnutrition (OCHA, 25/11/2014).
Polio
28 polio cases were confirmed in 2014, mostly in conflict-affected areas, compared to 14
in 2013 (Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 14/01/2015). Extensive cross-border movement
is a major challenge. Afghan and Pakistani authorities agreed in July to cooperate in an
anti-polio campaign in their border areas (DAWN, UNICEF 12/07/2014).
WASH
Agriculture and Markets
Wheat grain and flour prices in Afghanistan have increased 17% on average due to
decreased flow of imported food commodities during the prolonged presidential election
dispute (FEWSNET, 01/11/2014). Conflict in Helmand in 2014 hampered farmers’ ability to
harvest their crops (FEWSNET, 01/11/2014).
Livelihoods
Political uncertainty led to decreased investment in many sectors including construction
and trade, which are key employers of casual labour. Faryab province saw the largest
decline in casual labour wages: rates were 43% lower in September than in 2013 and the
five-year average. They were 23% and 14% lower than 2013 in Badakhshan and Balkh
provinces, respectively (FEWSNET, 01/11/2014).
Decreased prices for some cash crops compared to last year is limiting incomes
(FEWSNET, 01/12/2014). Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has risen by 7%, from
209,000 hectares in 2013 to 224,000 hectares in 2014 (UN, 12/11/2014).
Sanitation, water quality, and hygiene remain public health concerns in Khost and Paktika
(WHO, 03/11/2014). Additional latrines are needed in Gulan camp (UNHCR, 08/01/2015).
Shelter and NFIs
Two million people are living higher than 2,000m in Afghanistan and exposed to extreme
winter conditions, including 244,200 new refugees in Khost and Paktika, 32,000 displaced
in Kabul informal settlements and 2,300 recently displaced by conflict. 423,300 children
under five, 253,920 people over 55, 7,000 in need of shelter and 544,000 economically
vulnerable living in hard-to-reach reach areas are also vulnerable (OCHA, 31/10/2014).
29,600 people will be facing winter without adequate shelter (OCHA, 25/11/2014).
As of October, 3,805 houses remained completely destroyed in the north by floods earlier
in the year (OCHA, 15/10/2014).
Education
Health and Nutrition
Educational facilities in Khost are overstretched, with 344 schools employing 6,000
teachers and catering for around 360,000 children. There are 50,000 school-aged refugee
children in Khost (Institute for War and Peace Reporting, 05/11/2014).
The number of people in need of access to health services has increased from 3.3 to 5.4
million (OCHA).
Protection
Pneumonia and acute respiratory infections are major concerns during the winter season.
Gender and Gender-based Violence
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There are reports of possible increased domestic violence as a result of camp conditions
(UNHCR, 08/01/2015).
Child Protection
The Afghan national and local police and three armed groups (Taliban, Haqqani Network,
and Hezb-e-Islami) have been listed for recruitment and use of children. The Taliban has
been listed for attacks on schools and hospitals (Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict
02/06/2014).
Violence against Journalists
There were 129 incidents of violence against Afghan journalists in 2014, resulting in eight
deaths, a 69% increase in incidents on 2013. The increase in cases follows international
troops’ withdrawal and a tense political situation after contested presidential elections
(International Media Support, 15/01/2015).
Reviewed, 26/01/2015
IRAQ CONFLICT, INTERNAL UNREST, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
26 January: ISF have recaptured all populated areas of Diyala governorate from IS
(AFP, 26/01/2015).
25 January: WFP announced a scale-back of its food assistance to Syrian refugees
following a reduction in funds (WFP).
22 January: Kurdish fighters reportedly took control of a key road used by IS to supply
the city of Mosul, Ninewa (The Guardian).
20–23 January: At least 20 people were killed and a further 80 injured by attacks in
Baghdad and Anbar (ISW; AFP)
KEY CONCERNS
- Approximately 12,000 people were killed and more than 23,000 injured in 2014,
corresponding to the worst levels of violence since 2006–2007 (UNAMI, 01/01/2015).
- An estimated 5.2 million people required some form of humanitarian assistance in
September 2014; it can be assumed that this number has increased.
- 2.2 million people are beyond the reach of aid agencies (UN, 11/2014). Access is
highly constrained in Anbar, Salah al Din, and Ninewa (UNHCR, 10/2014).
- Over 2.12 million IDPs have been identified in 2,092 sites (CCCM, 14/01/2015).
- There are 233,625 Syrian registered refugees in Iraq; 41% are children (UNHCR,
31/12/2014).
- Protection is a key concern, particularly in areas directly affected by conflict and
under IS control. Access to adequate winter shelter, kerosene for cooking and heating
and NFIs is also required.
OVERVIEW
The IS insurgency has compounded an already fragile political and humanitarian
situation, leading to a level 3 humanitarian crisis and international military intervention.
Iraq now hosts one of the largest internally displaced populations in the world with four
massive waves of internal displacement in 2014: Anbar in January, Mosul in June,
Sinjar in August and Hit in October. Priority needs are food, water, shelter, fuel and
access to healthcare. Access constraints and human rights violations, particularly in IScontrolled areas are of major concern. There are large information gaps on the situation
of affected populations outside of the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Political Context
National Political Context
The perceived marginalisation of Sunni groups by former President Maliki’s Government is
considered one of the main drivers of the current conflict. A unity government, led by
President Haydar al Abadi, and formed at the start of September, represents the first step
towards a longer-term solution to the present crisis.
Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I)
Masoud Barzani’s Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
have ruled the autonomous KR-I through a coalition government since 2005. Barzani’s
term has been extended to 2015, a move denounced as illegal by the opposition. Relations
with Baghdad have long been tense, but in mid-November, Baghdad and Erbil reached a
budget agreement, following a long-standing dispute (UN 02/12/2014).
Security Context
Heavy fighting continues in eight of Iraq’s 19 governorates. Although hard to verify,
particularly in IS-controlled areas, around 12,000 people were killed and more than 23,000
injured in Iraq in 2014, in the worst violence since 2006–2007. Baghdad governorate
recorded the highest number of civilian casualties in December, with over 1,000 injured or
killed (UNAMI, 01/01/2015).
Stakeholders
Islamic State (IS)
In June, IS declared the establishment of a Sunni caliphate, covering the area between
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Aleppo in northern Syria and Diyala in eastern Iraq. Its chief, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, was
declared caliph and leader for Muslims worldwide. IS has taken over large areas of
northern and eastern Syria, as well as parts of northern and central Iraq. In September, IS
had around 20,000–31,500 fighters in Iraq and Syria (BBC, 15/09/2014). Since then, the
group has suffered significant losses while at the same time attracting an unknown number
of additional fighters. Its current capacity is unknown.
KR-I Forces
The Kurdish Peshmerga, supported by Kurdish fighters from Syria and Turkey, are
emerged in a counter offense to reclaim areas lost to IS. Peshmerga and Iraqi Security
Forces (ISF) offenses are backed by coalition aerial bombardments and the Kurdish
fighters receive support in the form of training and equipment from multiple countries,
including the United States (AFP).
Government Forces
The ISF are involved in offences in Baghdad, Ninewa, Diyala, Anbar, and Salah al Din
governorates. The Iraqi Prime Minister declared in January that falling global oil
prices could lead to possible budget deficits, which will hamper the capacity to
undertake military operations against IS (Reuters, 22/01/2015).
International Involvement
In August, the United States started airstrikes on IS locations. On 15 September, 30
additional countries pledged to help Iraq fight IS militants. Several countries are providing
support to Iraqi military forces and Kurdish Peshmerga brigades in the form of training and
arms; Iran has dispatched members of its elite Revolutionary Guards Corps and reportedly
carried out airstrikes against IS in November, at the request of the Government of Iraq
(The Economist, 03/01/2015; The Guardian, 05/01/2015, 04/12/2014, 13/12/2014).
Conflict Developments
Since the beginning of December 2014, IS has carried out simultaneous attacks on
multiple fronts, especially in areas north of Baghdad, Anbar, and near Samarra in Salah al
Din (ISW, 12/12/2014). IS made important gains in Anbar in the last quarter of 2014,
controlling around 70% of the governorate, and continues to push into the provincial capital
Ramadi.
Peshmerga forces continue fighting IS in Ninewa and south KR-I, while ISF is engaged in
active battles against IS in the central governorates and around Baghdad. Recently ISF
and Kurdish forces have regained territory in Dahuk, Ninewa, and Anbar. On 26 January,
ISF recaptured all populated areas of Diyala governorate from IS (AFP,
26/01/2015).Coalition airstrikes support operations against IS, and gunfire exchanges were
reported in January, engaging Canadian forces who came under attack while training Iraqi
troops (AFP, 19/12/2014, Al Jazeera, 20/01/2015, The Guardian 22/01/2015, AFP
26/01/2015).
Recent Incidents
Anbar: Clashes between IS and Iraqi forces have been ongoing in the southern part
of the province since early January (ISW, 21/01/2015). An explosion targeting Iraqi
police forces and tribes in the Albu Ghanim area on 20 January killed three and
injured 18 (ISW, 21/01/2015). Two suicide bombings and clashes killed 23 security
personnel on 6 January (AFP, 06/01/2015).
Baghdad has been the scene of near-daily bombings and shootings since the beginning of
November. Six explosions in and around Baghdad on 22–23 January killed 17 and
injured 61 (AFP, 22/01/2015; ISW, 23/01/2015).
Diyala: A battle to retake villages in Mansuriyah, Muqdadiyah, began on 23 January
(AFP, 26/01/2015).
Kirkuk: The overall security situation around and near Kirkuk city remains volatile, with
reports of clashes in Daquq, Hawija and Debis districts (UNHCR, 28/12/2014).
Ninewa: In order to control tribal resistance and safeguard one of their most important
areas of control, the populous city of Mosul, IS continues to carry out security operations
south of Mosul. Peshmerga forces reportedly took control of a key road used by IS to
supply Mosul. They are thought to be preparing for a summer offensive to take Mosul
with ISF (The Guardian, 22/01/2015, Reuters, 23/01/2015)
Salah al Din: The ISF took control of Mutasim, south of Samarra, while an IS attack
disrupted the ISF supply route between Samarra and Camp Speicher in December. IS has
also attempted to reclaim strategic terrain around Baiji (ISW, 08/12/2014). Conflict was
ongoing in January.
Other incidents: On 5 January, a suicide-bomber killed a Saudi general and two other
soldiers on the border with Saudi Arabia, in the first such attack since Saudi Arabia joined
the international coalition again IS (NYT, 05/01/2015).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
In September, 5.2 million people were estimated to be in need of some form of
humanitarian assistance, including 1.8 million IDPs, 1.5 million affected host communities
and 1.7 million people in areas under control of armed groups. By December, the number
of IDPs had risen to over two million.
Access
Humanitarian access is extremely restricted in parts of the country, with only limited
access to the estimated 3.6 million people living in areas under control of IS and affiliated
armed groups; around 2.2 million people are beyond the reach of aid agencies and require
emergency assistance (ECHO, 12/12/2014).
Border crossings: Although in the week of 17 January almost 2,000 Syrians from
Kobane were admitted to KR-I through the informal Ibrahim Khalil crossing, other
crossings have remained generally closed. The Kurdish-controlled Peshkabour-Semalka
crossing is mostly closed. While the IS-controlled Al Qa’im and Al Waleed crossings are
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technically open, insecurity prevents most civilian movement. Insecurity at Rabia crossing
prevents cross-border movement (Reuters 23/11/2014, UNHCR, 15/01/2015).
of IDPs are forced to stay within the governorate, due to movement restrictions imposed
by neighbouring governorates (OCHA, 11/2014).
Movement restrictions: Movement and access restrictions for IDPs have been
reported, particularly in the centre and centre-north. Security forces at checkpoints
have reportedly prevented some IDP families from accessing Khanaqin in Diyala.
Access to KR-I remains challenging for certain IDPs, particularly those of Arab
ethnicity, with authorities claiming security concerns. In Sulaymaniyah, it has been
reported that authorities are confiscating identification documents from certain
groups of IDPs. Throughout KR-I, restriction on movements continue to be reported
for some groups of IDPs, limiting their access to services, including medical care
(OCHA, 23/01/2015, OCHA, 09/01/2015)
Instances of large-scale displacement were documented mid-January. Over 21–23
January, fighting in the vicinity of the Mosul Dam in Ninewa displaced around 200
families (OCHA, 23/01/2015). Fighting in the former besieged town of Dhuluiya in Salah al
Din displaced over 8,000 people (1,200 families). Priority needs are for food, shelter,
medical care, NFIs, and education (UN, 14/01/2015). Over 2,000 new IDPs from Salah al
Din were reported in Arbat camp in Sulaymaniyah around 10 January.
Anbar remains largely inaccessible. Thousands of people are trapped in siege-like
conditions in Falluja and Ramadi, and access to Al Qa’im refugee camp, hosting some
950 Syrian refugees, remains difficult (UNHCR, 15/01/2015). The population of Al
Baghdadi, Anbar, which has been under IS siege since October, is reported to be suffering
serious shortages of food and medicines (WFP, 11/01/2015).
Ninewa: Access to Mosul is impossible for humanitarian actors, while conditions have
dramatically deteriorated since IS took control. Government support, in the form of public
salaries and the Public Distribution System, under which Iraqi citizens are entitled to a
monthly food ration, is largely unavailable (The Guardian, 27/10/2014)
Kirkuk: The ability of humanitarian partners to assess and respond to needs remains
limited (OCHA, 05/12/2014).
Several INGOs have suspended activities in IS-controlled areas, or continue to provide
emergency assistance through local partners. Access to areas that had been controlled by
IS and its affiliates is hindered by high levels of insecurity, booby-traps and landmines.
Long delays in obtaining official clearances from Iraqi authorities is also affecting response
(OCHA, 05/12/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
At 16 January, around 2.12 million IDPs were identified across 2,092 sites: 199,720 (9%)
are in 25 IDP camps, most in KR-I, 450,040 in informal settlements (22%), 240,130 in
collective centers (12%) and 1.2 million in private accommodation (57%) (CCCM,
25/01/2015, 18/01/2015). The overall number and wide geographical spread of the
displaced population pose a major challenge to the assessment of needs and delivery of
assistance (IOM, 02/12/2014).
Most IDPs reside in Dahuk (478,890); Anbar (381,054); Erbil (193,944); Kirkuk (238,776);
Ninewa (162,132); Baghdad (134,346); Sulaymaniyah (125,659); Diyala (98,196); and Najaf
(81,534) governorates (IOM, 31/12/2014).
Around 60% of IDPs have left their governorate of origin. However, an increasing number
In Diyala governorate, threats of military operations in Muqdadiya district are
expected to give rise to a new wave of displacement (OCHA 23/01/2015)
In Erbil, over 800 families were displaced from Makhmur district to Debagah sub-district in
January, and are living in very challenging conditions in public spaces; further
displacement is expected. Priority needs are for food, water, sanitation and medical
facilities (OCHA, 16/01/2015).
After Kurdish forces took control of areas in and around Sinjar, in early January more than
1,000 people have reportedly sought refuge in villages further down the Sinjar mountain
(OCHA, 09/01/2015).
IDP Returnees
70,000 of 118,000 IDPs from Zummar in Ninewa who were residing in Dahuk have
reportedly returned to their areas of origin (OCHA, 09/01/2015).
There are concerns over individuals returning to areas contaminated by ERW (OCHA,
28/11/2014).
Refugees in Iraq
At 15 January, 235,563 Syrian refugees were registered in Iraq. KR-I hosts an
estimated 96%; another 4,521 are in Anbar governorate, 1,341 in Ninewa, and around
2,000 are elsewhere in Iraq (UNHCR, 15/01/2015).
In KR-I, around 97,700 refugees are in Dahuk, 102,140 in Erbil, and 27,732 in
Sulaymaniyah. 50,700 reside in Domiz refugee camp, 9,820 in Kawergosk, 9,400 in
Darashakran, 4,450 in Gawilan, 5,780 in Qushtapa, and 5,640 in Arbat (UNHCR,
15/01/2015).
Syrian refugees from Kobane: At 15 January, over 27,700 Syrian refugees had arrived
in KR-I since 25 September, mostly from Kobane. Arrivals from Kobane in 2015 have
been transferred to Gawilan refugee camp in Dahuk. UNHCR reports that the majority
of families have left the camps, preferring instead to reside in host communities (UNHCR,
31/12/2014).
Returnees to Syria: Around 32,950 Syrian refugees returned to Syria in 2014 (UNHCR,
31/12/2014).
Non-Syrian Refugees
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Livelihoods
During the first quarter of 2014, the number of registered, protracted, non-Syrian refugees
and asylum seekers was 39,480.
Host Communities
An estimated 1.7 million people in host communities are affected (OCHA, 07/11/2014).
Local authorities are overstretched and under-resourced.
Iraqi Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
At 1 November, there were about 38,500 Iraqi refugees in Jordan (UNHCR 01/11/2014).
Lebanon hosts nearly 7,500 registered Iraqi refugees and a further 1,200 are awaiting
registration (USAID 19/09/2014). Around 200,000 Iraqi refugees reside in Turkey (ECHO
12/2014), and over 3,000 in Yemen (OCHA 30/11/2014). Almost 3,800 Iraqi refugees
remained in Newroz camp in Syria at October (WFP 10/2014).
The deterioration of the economic situation and the breakdown of state infrastructure in IScontrolled areas is increasing unemployment. IDPs fleeing the violence face difficulties
accessing livelihood opportunities.
Refugees: During an assessment in April, almost half of camp-residing Syrian refugees
reported no source of income or cash for their household. Refugees living in remote areas
outside of camps report even lower numbers, with only 18% of female members of noncamp households earning an income (REAH, 14/09/2014). Access to income generating
opportunities probably decreased among Syrian refugees since April due to the large influx
of IDPs in areas hosting refugees.
Health and Nutrition
Food Security
5.2 million people need health support, and 2.2 million in inaccessible areas are extremely
vulnerable to public health risks (WHO, 20/12/2014; 10/2014). Up to 50% of IDPs will need
medical attention this winter.
Food is a priority need in different areas of the country, with 2.2 million people in need of
urgent food assistance in Anbar, Kirkuk, Diyala, Ninewa and Salah al Din governorates. In
Anbar, over 30,000 families need assistance as access to food in local markets is difficult
while prices are high (WFP, 01/01/2015, OCHA, 09/01/2015).
Acute diarrheoa and acute respiratory infections are a leading cause of morbidity among
refugees and IDPs. By mid-January, an increase in cases was reported in areas
covered by the disease surveillance system (WHO, 18/01/2015)
Refugees: Most Syrian refugees require food assistance; assistance is provided to those
in camps (WFP, 07/12/2014). There is no clear system for food assistance for non-camp
refugees in Dahuk, and resources for refugees in urban settings are increasingly stretched
(UNHCR 30/11/2014).
A reduction in WFP funds will temporarily reduce the food voucher value in Domiz,
Darashakran, Akre, and Kawergosk camps from USD 28.20 to USD 19 per person per
month from February; WFP will also begin targeted assistance. A further reduction is
expected from April if funding shortfalls persist. Food parcels will be reduced in all
camps across KR-I once the current stocks are depleted (WFP 22/01/2015).
Agriculture
Over 80,000 families from host communities in Erbil and Dahuk and in conflict-affected and
government-controlled areas are in need of agricultural inputs (OCHA, 19/12/2014). Many
farmers and rural households have fled their fields, and the suspension of government
services in these governorates means farmers have not yet received payment for wheat,
creating cash flow problems. In Ninewa and Dahuk, farmers are selling livestock at lower
prices as a result (FAO 11/2014).
The 2014 wheat crop harvest has been hampered. In Ninewa governorate 500,000/800,000
hectares of land is likely to be sown this winter and planting in Salah al Din is forecast to
be down by 30% (FAO 11/2014). The disruption of markets and the restricted movement of
food commodities remain a concern (FAO 11/12/2014; Government/Reuters, 11/2014). IS
reportedly took more than a quarter of the overall national output – around one million tons
– to Syria.
Availability of Healthcare
A number of health facilities have been damaged by bombing and shelling. Critical
shortages of essential medicines, vaccines and supplies have become an increasing
concern in urban health facilities, as supply routes from Baghdad are disrupted, and the
embargo on cargo flights has stopped the medical supply chain (WHO, 09/2014). Staff
shortages are an additional complication (WHO, 24/11/2014).
Other health needs include the restoration of health services in newly retaken areas, better
access to primary and secondary healthcare in insecure areas, improved control of
communicable diseases, better access to specialist services, and improved basic
laboratory services in IDP camps. The newly established Kebirto and Sharia IDP
camps have no functioning primary health centres (OCHA, 09/01/2015; WHO,
18/01/2015).
Salah al Din: Severe shortages of essential medicines and limited access to primary
services causes patients from this area to seek services in Mosul, Ninewa, and Hawija,
Kirkuk (WHO, 24/11/2014).
Mosul: Only two units of the main hospital remain functional, staffing levels are down to 30
–50%, and severe medicine shortages have been reported. Interruptions in the water
supply have resulted in a rise of water-borne diseases (AFP, 12/2014). IS reportedly
executed ten doctors for refusing to treat wounded IS fighters, while evacuating main
hospitals to treat injured IS members only (ISW, 01/12/2014).
Refugees
20% of the non-camp refugee population has difficulties accessing health services, due to
the cost and perceived availability of relevant services (Government/WHO/UNHCR,
30/11/2014). Mental health and psychosocial care services in urban areas are limited
in all governorates (UNHCR, 15/01/2015).
KR-I: Health service delivery for refugees is challenged in areas with high concentrations
of IDPs, due to shortages of staff and essential medicines (WHO, 11/2014). The influx of
under-vaccinated Syrian refugees into KR-I increases the health risks and compromises
care for other patients (WHO, 11/2014).
Hepatitis A
A viral hepatitis outbreak was recorded on 23 October in Baharka IDP camp. 48 cases of
hepatitis A have been reported from nine different sites since the outbreak was confirmed
(WHO, 20/12/2014).
(UNHCR, 15/01/2015). Pipes need repair in Gawilan camp, Ninewa, and in Al Qa’im district
in Anbar (UNHCR, 30/11/2014).
Newly established camps lack coordination and support for some WASH-related activities
(USAID, 19/12/2014).
Other affected communities: In central and southern governorates, lack of access to
NFIs and hot water is affecting access to personal hygiene. Security issues are delaying
access and provision of hygiene kits in Anbar and Salah al Din (OCHA, 11/2014).
Inadequate water supply has been reported in the western parts of Mosul City, caused
mainly by shortage of chlorine and broken pipelines (WHO, 20/12/2014).
Shelter and NFIs
Around 800,000 IDPs are in need of shelter assistance and specific winter support
(UNHCR, 30/11/2014).
Maternal Health
It can be assumed that 450,000 IDPs and 50,000 Syrian refugees are women and girls of
reproductive age. Maternity services are particularly stretched in Erbil hospital (WHO,
10/11/2014; UNFPA, 30/11/2014).
Measles
1,127 measles cases have been registered in 2014. Cases are distributed in Ninewa, Salah
al Din, Kirkuk and Diyala. Cases went up from 5 to 258 in Kirkuk compared to 2013, from 1
to 178 in Diyala and down by 50% in Ninewa (WHO, 11/2014).
Nutrition
Seven cases of malnutrition were reported from Arabat refugee camp, in KR-I, in the first
week of November, compared to five reported in the last week of September (WHO,
04/11/2014). Additional information is lacking.
There are 25 IDP camps, most are in Dahuk, Diyala, and Erbil; 12 more camps are under
construction for an additional capacity of 390,000 (CCCM, 18/01/2015). Most facilities and
services do not meet the minimum Sphere standards, with many facing capacity overflow
(REACH 31/10/2014). Shelter improvement is required for 6,000 tents in Domiz camp in
Dahuk, hosting 30,000 people (Government/UNHCR, 30/11/2014).
Arbat IDP camp in Sulaymaniyah is over capacity with 1,700 families instead of 1,000;
additional land for the camp is expected around March. Some IDPs in Debagah in
Erbil have reportedly been pushed out of mosques, where they had been sheltering
for two weeks. In Khanaqin in Diyala, IDPs in Aiden camp will be relocated to AlWand camp, while tensions with host communities may affect IDPs living in
unfinished buildings belonging to private citizens (OCHA, 23/01/2015).
The large influxes of Syrian refugees has exhausted the capacities of Basirma and
Kawergosk camps. The cancellation of the construction of Qushtapa 2 camp aggravates
refugee shelter limitations (UNHCR, 15/12/2014).
WASH
Winterisation
Access to safe water is a critical, life-threatening problem in conflict-affected areas,
including among populations under the control of armed groups. Power cuts, fuel
shortages, disruption to supply routes, and the seizure of municipal water facilities have
left communities without safe water.
Winter weather is compounding existing vulnerabilities in northern Iraq. A significant
number of IDPs reside in sub-standard shelter and do not have access to sufficient
winterised NFIs. Throughout Iraq, 200,000 children living in poor households still require
blankets and hygiene supplies (UNICEF, 11/01/2015).
IDPs: Critical water needs have been reported among IDPs in Salah al Din and Kerbala
(OCHA, 09/01/2015). In KR-I, 31% of over 85,000 IDPs across 880 sites reported that they
do not have access to electricity or water (CCCM 11/2014).
Kerosene for cooking and heating remains a major concern. An estimated 129,500
vulnerable IDP families remain in need access to fuel (OCHA, 23/01/2015)
Refugees: Newly arrived refugees from Kobane are in need of better access to WASH
services (UNHCR, 15/01/2015). Almost 19,000 refugees in camps lack access to safe
drinking water, latrines and bathing facilities, while over 100,000 lack adequate waste
disposal (UNHCR/UNICEF, 31/10/2014). In Darashakran camp, Erbil, drainage of waste
water continues to be an issue; in Basirma camp, water quality also remains an issue
Education
Over 800,000 displaced are estimated to be of school age in Iraq. Over 500 schools,
including 370 in Anbar, are still occupied by IDPs, and an estimated 130 schools are
occupied by the military. Educational materials such as desks and books are needed to
ensure the quality of basic education. Over 39,000 children are estimated to have been
73
affected by the occupation of schools (UNICEF 31/10/2014; OCHA, 16/01/2015).
Around 252,000 school-aged children reside in KR-I; 87,000 in camps, and 165,000 in noncamp settings. In Dahuk, displacement has increased the student population by 50%
(OCHA 10/2014). In Sulaymaniyah, the lack of a high school in Arbat camp prevents
education beyond grade nine and favours early marriage and child labour (UNHCR,
15/12/2014).
Refugees: Access to education is of concern in all refugee camps, with the proportion of
school-aged children enrolled in schools ranging from 32% (in Gawilan camp) to 75%
(Qustapa camp) (UNHCR, 12/2014). The main challenges include very limited capacity in
schools with an Arabic curriculum, shortages of Syrian refugee teachers, and delays in the
extension of their work permits, increasing schooling demand, such as in Qushtapa camp
in Erbil, the need for bridging classes for new arrivals, and insecurity, as in Al Obaidy
camp in Anbar (UNHCR, 31/12/2014, 15/01/2015).
Protection
Targeted attacks, abductions, forced conscription, human trafficking, and sexual assault
against Iraqi civilians, particularly from ethnic and religious minority groups, have been
reported since early 2014 (UNAMI, 10/2014). Armed actors also attacked civilian
infrastructures, such as health facilities and schools (USAID, 10/2014).
IS is reportedly providing military training to schoolchildren in Syria and Iraq, using
children as young as 13 as fighters (Radio Liberty, 10/2014). Reports suggest that IS
forcefully recruited young men travelling with their families from Riyadh to Kirkuk on 11
January, and that forced recruitment of young men in Mosul for city security and frontline
deployment has also begun (OCHA, 16/01/2015).
Overcrowding of Syrian refugee camps is causing protection concerns for unaccompanied
minors, who are leaving camps prematurely (UNHCR 31/10/2014). 4% of refugee
households reported having separated minors with them (REACH, 20/10/2014).
ERW and Mines
Iraq is heavily mined, with up to 1,838km2 of contaminated territory and IS is reportedly
planting more (Landmine Monitor/ICBL, IRIN 06/11/2014). UXO has been found mixed with
scrap metal close to Deraboun camp, Dahuk. IDP children collect scrap metal to generate
income (OCHA 28/11/2014).
Updated: 26/01/2015
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES COMPLEX, FOOD INSECURITY,
INSECURITY
Shariah courts have been established in IS-controlled territories, carrying out
extreme punishments against men, women and children (UN, 20/01/2015).
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
There are safety and welfare concerns for civilians recently liberated from IS-controlled
areas, due to their perceived support for IS and affiliates.
January - The harsh winter conditions have been linked to at least four deaths and nine
injuries due to inadequate shelter (OCHA, 12/01/2015; UNRWA, 16/01/2015, UNICEF,
22/01/2015).
IDPs
12 new IDP families were reportedly evicted from their shelters in Kirkuk city on 13
January, while 200 received eviction warnings (OCHA, 23/01/2015).
An increase in detention of IDPs in both camps and non-camp locations is reported, due to
growing mistrust from local authorities and communities (OCHA, 19/12/2014).
Many IDPs have fled without formal identification papers, without which it is often difficult
to get residency. Residency in urban areas is reportedly being denied to Syrian asylumseekers lacking original ID documents (UNHCR, 30/11/2014).
Child Protection
Issues of particular concern in Iraq include: harmful practices targeting girls, such
as female genital mutilation, early and forced marriage and ‘honour’ crimes; child
labour, and discrimination of children from ethnic minorities (OHCHR, 22/01/2015).
IDP children are suffering from psychosocial distress, and are at increased risk of
exploitation. There are no special services available for children with disabilities or special
needs (ACTED, 08/2014).
KEY CONCERNS
- 1.81 million people need humanitarian assistance, over 50% are children (OCHA,
09/2014).
- 1.45 million people, or 33% of the people in the OPT, including 57% of people in Gaza,
are estimated to be food insecure (WFP, 19/12/2014).
- 1.5 million people in the Gaza Strip have no or extremely restricted access to water
(OCHA, 03/08/2014).
- Continuity of medical care is threatened by the financial crisis and electricity
shortages in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip (OCHA).
- The ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip limits access and movement of both people
and goods.
OVERVIEW
74
The 50-day war with Israel caused high civilian casualties in Gaza and large-scale
destruction affecting all humanitarian sectors. Movement and access restrictions are
aggravating the situation. The number of attacks on Palestinians by Israeli settlers in the
occupied West Bank has increased every year for the past eight years; attacks by Israeli
security forces have also increased.
Political Context
ceasefire on 26 August (AFP). At least 2,257 people were reported killed, including 539
children: an estimated 1,473 victims were civilians (UNICEF, 02/01/2015; OCHA,
04/09/2014). Thousands of structures were destroyed. On the Israeli side, 66 soldiers, and
five civilians, including one child, were killed (OCHA, 29/08/2014). The number of violent
incidents in and around Gaza had already been rising before the events of July and
August.
West Bank and East Jerusalem
On 16 January, the International Criminal Court (ICC) launched a preliminary examination
of the events of the 50-day war (ICC, 16/01/2015). This followed Palestine officially joining
the ICC on 7 January. The United States and Israel opposed the move, citing that oPt is
not a sovereign state. From April, Palestinian officials will be able to launch war crimes
complaints against Israel. Israel has frozen approximately USD 127 million in tax revenue
due the Palestinian Authority, while the US has threatened to withhold USD 440 million in
aid (AFP, 07/01/2015).
Israel has announced a series of measures affecting occupied territory since August 2014,
beginning with the appropriation of some 400 hectares in the occupied West Bank, which
an anti-settlement group termed the biggest in 30 years (Reuters, 31/08/2014). This was
followed by approval for almost 4,000 new housing units in the West Bank and East
Jerusalem (AFP, 05/09/2014; AFP, 01/10/2014; AFP, 27/10/2014).
The Palestinian reconciliation Government, made up of members of both Hamas and
Fatah, convened its first cabinet session in October (UNICEF, 09/10/2014). The
Government was sworn in before President Abbas in June, ending seven years of division
(AFP, UN, 02/06/2014). It has a six-month mandate, but no formal announcement
regarding the passing of the six months has been made (UNRWA, 14/12/2014).
Security Context
Gaza
There were 19 incidents involving Israeli forces opening fire into the Access
Restricted Area during which one Palestinian was injured (ARA) between 13
December and 19 January (OCHA, 19/01/2015). The boundaries of the ARA have not yet
been defined by Israeli authorities, increasing the risks to civilians (OCHA, 24/11/2014).
On 20 December, Israel launched its first airstrike since the truce of 26 August, targeting a
site reportedly used by Hamas for training, in response to rocket fire. No injuries were
reported (OCHA, 22/12/2014). The first deadly shooting since the truce was on 23
November, when Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian farmer near the border in northern
Gaza (AFP, 23/11/2014).
On 8 January, Egypt began doubling the width of the buffer zone along the Gaza border to
1km. The objective is to deter militants from crossing to Egypt (AFP, 08/01/2015). A 17year-old Palestinian was killed along the border by Egyptian military gunfire on 3 January.
Operation Protective Edge
Israel launched Operation Protective Edge on 8 July, striking Gaza with intensive aerial
bombing, aimed at ending cross-border rocket fire. Hamas and Israel agreed a permanent
Between 13 December and 19 January, Israeli forces injured 25 Palestinians and
killed one. In 2014, a total of 56 people were killed and 5,868 injured by Israeli forces.
Ten injuries occurred during clashes associated with the construction of the West
Bank Barrier at Bil’in (Ramallah), and between Qalqiliya and Hebron (OCHA,
19/01/2014). On 29 December, Israeli troops shot dead a 17-year-old Palestinian boy and
wounded another during a stone-throwing incident near Nablus (AFP, 29/12/2014).
A Palestinian was killed during a military operation in Qalandiya refugee camp on 15
December (AFP, 16/12/2014). Palestinian cabinet minister Ziad Abu Ain died on 10
December after a confrontation with Israeli troops. A third of the 64 clashes between 16
and 22 December were in connection to these incidents (OCHA, 29/12/2014). Palestinian
doctors said that an autopsy showed that Abu Ain died from being struck, inhaling tear gas,
and a lack of medical attention. Israeli officials said a heart attack caused his death (Voice
of America, 12/12/2014).
Settler-related Violence
In 2014, 330 incidents of settler-related violence resulted in Palestinian casualties or
property damage in the West Bank and 237 incidents resulted in Israeli casualties or
property damage. The demolition of 590 structures displaced 1,177 people; 565 structures
were demolished in 2013 (OCHA, 12/01/2015).
Five Israeli settler attacks were recorded between 13 and 19 December. There were
no casualties but all damaged Palestinian property (OCHA, 19/01/2015). On 3 January,
50 armed settlers tried to detain five Palestinians next to the settlement of Itamar near
Nablus, causing further clashes (OCHA, 12/01/2015). On 23 December, a group of armed
Israeli settlers forcibly entered a Bedouin family’s household in the Jerusalem periphery
(OCHA, 29/12/2014). On 25 December, Palestinians attacked settlers with a Molotov
cocktail near Azzun village (Qalqiliya), injuring one settler girl (OCHA, 29/12/2014). Over
30 December to 12 January, 11 Palestinian attacks on Israeli settlers were reported.
(OCHA, 12/01/2015).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
Donors have pledged over USD 5.4 billion, half of which will go towards rebuilding Gaza
(Reuters, 12/10/2014; 14/10/2014). The Palestinian Authority estimates it will cost USD 7.8
billion to reconstruct bombed areas (ACT Alliance, 10/10/2014).
Border Restrictions
75
76
Border crossings continue to be highly restricted and closures in response to security
incidents are frequent. Egypt had imposed a three-month state of emergency in parts of
northern Sinai, after a bombing killed at least 30 at the end of October; the Rafah crossing
has been predominantly closed since 24 October. 37,000 people are waiting to exist Gaza,
17,000 of whom are registered with the Border and Crossing Authority (OCHA,
29/12/2014). On 8 January, Erez crossing closed following a disagreement between
Hamas and the Palestinian Authority and is only operating for medical patients, Israeli
citizens, and other exceptional circumstances (Gisha, 12/01/2015).
Since October approximately 3.9% of all materials needed for reconstruction have
been delivered (Gisha, 19/01/2015).
Critical Infrastructure
Electricity, fuel and cooking gas supplies are running low in Gaza (UNICEF,
22/01/2015). On 28 December the Gaza power plant shut down due to lack of fuel, making
Gaza entirely dependent on electricity purchased from Israel (120 MW) and Egypt (30
MW), which meets less than a third of estimated demand (OCHA, 29/12/2014).
Security Incidents Involving Aid Workers
Agriculture
In 2014, 88 truckloads of selected agricultural produce were reported have been allowed to
leave Gaza, the vast majority for international markets. In the first half of 2007, before the
blockade, 5,007 truckloads of a wider range of goods were delivered to international
markets and the West Bank (UNRWA, 20/11/2014).
Some 85% of Israel’s separation barrier runs inside the West Bank, rather than along the
internationally recognised Green Line, cutting off Palestinians from 30% of their land (AFP,
29/10/2014).
Livelihoods
The majority of the Gaza population lost its productive assets in the July–August conflict.
The livelihoods of 28,600 households, including farmers, breeders, herders and fishers
have been severely affected or destroyed (Food Security Cluster, 28/08/2014). Losses to
the farming sector are estimated at USD 450 million (Ministry of Agriculture cited by
OCHA, 18/08/2014). Up to 720 fishers lost their livelihoods (Food Security Cluster,
28/08/2014). According to the Palestinian Federation of Industries, 419 businesses and
workshops were damaged, including 128 completely destroyed (OCHA, 04/09/2014).
Nine UNRWA staff members were killed in July and August (UNRWA, 03/08/2014).
As of September, quarter of the Palestinian workforce was unemployed: 16% in the West
Bank and 45% in Gaza (World Bank, 10/09/2014).
Disasters
Health and Nutrition
On 7 January, Storm Huda brought heavy snow to the West Bank and flooding in Gaza (Al
Jazeera, 11/01/2015). The harsh winter conditions are linked to at least four deaths
and nine injuries due to inadequate shelter (OCHA, 12/01/2015; UNRWA, 16/01/2015,
UNICEF, 22/01/2015). Over 25 November–3 December, severe flooding blocked roads and
forced around 50 families to evacuate their homes in Gaza City (OCHA, 03/12/2014). The
Palestinian Authority has declared a state of emergency across oPt (AFP, 08/01/2015).
Longstanding shortages of electricity, equipment, and drug supplies persist. Fifty primary
health centres and 17 hospitals reported infrastructure damage during the conflict; one
hospital and seven clinics were destroyed (OCHA, 04/09/2014; WHO, 05/09/2014).
Displacement
As of 9 January, 110,000 people remain displaced since the July–August conflict (Act
Alliance, 09/01/2015). 17,913 IDPs are residing in collective shelters as of 28 December
(UNICEF, 05/01/2015). With the approach of winter, IDPs’ living conditions continue to
deteriorate, with many in need of additional humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 13/10/2014).
Food Security
1.45 million, or 33% of Palestinians, are food insecure: 57% of the population of Gaza and
19% of the population of the West Bank (WFP, 19/12/2014). This is similar to food security
levels prior to the July–August hostilities (UNRWA, FAO, WFP, Government, 12/08/2014).
Electricity shortages have impacted food production and refrigeration. Delays at crossings
are complicating deliveries. Destruction of tunnels bringing inexpensive goods has also
impacted access to food and supplies.
The health system was already overstretched before the conflict (WHO, 30/09/2014). In
the West Bank, stocks of 150 (of 525) essential medicines were at zero in May; the main
government pharmacy in the Gaza Strip reported stocks of 118 (of 481) essential
medicines were at zero (OCHA, 31/05/2014).
Mental Health
WHO estimates that 360,000 people in the Gaza Strip will need mental healthcare in the
short and medium term, in addition to those needing routine mental healthcare services
(WHO, 31/10/2014).
Child Health
373,000 children in the Gaza Strip are in need of direct and specialised psychosocial
support (OCHA, 03/08/2014). The number of social workers and counsellors is insufficient
(OCHA, 15/08/2014).
WASH
400,000 people in the Gaza Strip, including those still displaced, have no or reduced
access to water supply and sanitation services (EWASH, 14/01/2015). Although extensive
repairs have restored 70–80% of the water and sanitation network to pre-conflict
conditions, significant constraints still impair the delivery of services (OCHA, 29/10/2014).
Some 30–50% of water storage capacity at the household level is damaged, putting
particular strain on host families (ECHO, 02/10/2014). In addition, households without
electricity and/or supplementary pumps cannot fill rooftop storage tanks when water is
available (OCHA, 04/09/2014).
Gaza’s only water reserve is the coastal aquifer, which it shares with Israel and Egypt, and
which is 55 million cubic metres; Gaza needs 190 million cubic metres every year,
according to senior officials. The aquifer could be unusable by 2016 and the damage it has
suffered may be irreversible by 2020 (AFP, 05/09/2014).
95% of groundwater in the Gaza Strip is unfit for human consumption, forcing
residents to be reliant on aid for their water source (UNICEF, 22/01/2015). Only 50% of
wastewater in Gaza is treated, and treatment is currently of low quality (World Bank,
10/09/2014).
Although solid waste is being collected in most areas, it is being left in temporary sites
rather than dumped in designated landfills.
Shelter
With the onset of winter, 700,000 people are in need of shelter assistance, including
emergency winterisation (OCHA 30/11/2014).
Approximately 124,000 housing units have been damaged, including 17,000 which were
severely damaged or destroyed (AFP, 08/01/2015, Gisha, 19/01/2015). This is in addition
to the pre-crisis housing deficit of 80,000 units (NRC, 11/10/2014). Winter conditions have
further slowed reconstruction efforts (Al Jazeera, 11/01/2015).
In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, demolition of houses, stop-work orders for houses
and structures, as well as confiscation of building materials, pose critical challenges
(OCHA, 03/12/2014).
Education
22 schools were completely destroyed and 118 schools damaged by the conflict. UNRWA
has reported at least 75 damaged school buildings. Many higher education facilities,
including the Islamic University in Gaza, were also damaged (OCHA, 04/09/2014). The
education sector already had a shortage of almost 200 schools before the conflict
(Gisha, 19/01/2015).
Forcible Transfer
Israeli authorities continue to make eviction and demolition orders from an area designated
as a ‘closed military zone’. Most of the around 7,000 Palestinian Bedouins and herders,
some 60% of them children, have demolition orders pending against their homes, and over
85% lack connection to the electricity and water networks. Two-thirds of communities
reported facing settler violence during the past three years (OCHA, 23/09/2014).
Child Protection
3,436 children were injured in 2014; 54,000 were homeless. Up to 1,500 orphaned children
will need sustained support (OCHA, 04/09/2014; UNICEF, 02/01/2015).
On 10 December, ten Palestinian children suffered excessive gas inhalation after Israeli
troops fired teargas near the Ibrahimiyya School in Hebron during school hours (NRC,
25/12/2014).
182 children were imprisoned and prosecuted in the Israeli military court system in
November, a 9.4% decrease on August figures (Defence for Children International,
06/11/2014).
Detention
At the end of August, 473 Palestinians were under administrative detention in Israel without
trial, compared to 250 in June–July. It is the highest number since April 2009 (Israeli
Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, 07/10/2014).
As of December, detention or shooting at fishers, as well as confiscation of boats and
equipment, continue to be reported (Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, 07/12/2014).
Media Workers
At least four journalists and three media workers were killed while covering the conflict
in July and August (Committee to Protect Journalists, 23/12/2014).
Mines and ERW
It is estimated that more than 1,900 ERW have yet to be secured (UNRWA,
23/09/2014). Over 2–8 December, four children and a pregnant woman were injured by
unexploded ordnance (OCHA, 08/12/2014).
In 2014, ERW has killed 31 civilians and injured ten in Gaza. This figure includes 12
children, the highest number affected by ERW in the last six years (UNICEF, 23/10/2014;
27/10/2014).
Protection
Updated: 26/01/2015
18,000 Palestinians live in or near the 18% of the West Bank designated by the Israeli
authorities as “firing zones”, areas of land claimed by the Israeli military for training and
security purposes. Palestinians who live in these zones face severe access restrictions,
recurrent demolition, and incidents of forced displacement (OCHA, 12/01/2015).
SYRIA DISPLACEMENT, CIVIL WAR
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
77
14 January: Food, healthcare, NFIs and shelter needs are unmet in Yarmouk as
persistent armed violence has prevented any successful UNRWA distribution since 6
December 2014 (UNRWA, 14/01/2015).
6 January: 670,000 school-aged children are believed to have had their education
disrupted due to continued conflict and the recent closure of some schools in Ar-Raqqa
and Deir-ez-Zor governorates and parts of rural Aleppo. In 2014 there were at least 68
attacks on schools, killing at least 160 children and injuring over 340 (UN, 06/01/2015).
1 January: Syrian refugees crossing back and forth between Turkey and Syria will only
be able to spend three of every six months in Turkey or face fines. Those who arrive at
the border without a valid passport or travel document will be turned away. Turkeybased NGOs are worried the new regulations will hamper aid operations and leave staff
stranded, as many organisations are based in Turkey but oversee aid operations within
Syria run by local staff (IRIN, 14/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- Over 200,000 deaths documented March 2011–December 2014, including over 63,000
civilians, almost 11,000 of whom were children (SOHR 12/2014). 2014 recorded the
highest number of deaths, with 76,000 fatalities.
- 12.2 million people in need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria, including 5.6
million children (OCHA/UNICEF 12/2014). Winter aid is a priority (UNHCR 11/2014).
- 7.6 million IDPs (OCHA 28/12/2014).
- 4.8 million people live in hard-to-reach areas (OCHA 12/2014).
- 3,323,031 Syrians are registered or waiting to register as refugees outside Syria as of
10 December. Lebanon: 1,158,995; Turkey: 1,165,279; Jordan: 622,672; Iraq: 233,625;
Egypt: 138,212 (UNHCR 05/01/2014). Children make up 51.6% of the refugee
population.
- 711 of 1,921 primary health centres and more than one-third (37 of 92) public hospitals
are out of service. 26 of 41 basic emergency obstetric care centres are reported nonfunctional (Syrian Ministry of Health/UNFPA 30/11/2014).
OVERVIEW
There were major changes in the Syrian conflict dynamics over 2014, both in terms of
areas of control and fault lines.
The humanitarian situation continues to worsen. The conflict has killed over 200,000
people and caused large-scale displacement. More people are in camps than last year,
and more non-displaced are in need of humanitarian assistance. The country has also
experienced severe drought. Protection concerns are widespread. WASH and access to
food are high priorities as well as access to health services. Humanitarian needs in
areas under prolonged and ongoing siege are particularly high as access to food, basic
services, and livelihoods is obstructed.
Political Context
The Syrian Government and key opponents have agreed to move towards Russiamediated peace talks (AFP 02/12/2014). Previous attempts have failed. Local truces have
mainly been short-term solutions for access, instead of becoming tools for a broader
political solution and step towards peace talks. In November, UN Envoy Mistura led talks
on the establishment of ‘freeze zones’ in Aleppo (UN/BBC 11/2014; SNAP 07/12/2014).
In June 2014, President Bashar al Assad was elected for another seven years.
Security Context
Widespread conflict and high levels of violence continue, including indiscriminate aerial
bombings by government forces and indiscriminate shelling by armed opposition (UNSC
21/11/2014). There are some 1,000 armed opposition groups fighting in Syria (BBC,
13/06/2013).
In 2014, 76,000 people were killed in the conflict, the highest toll since the war began.
18,000 civilians, including at least 3,500 children, were among the victims (SOHR,
02/01/2014). At least 6,550 civilians died during airstrikes, half of them in Aleppo. Aerial
bombardment injured 40,000 in 2014 (SOHR, 05/01/2015). More than 200,000 people have
died since fighting began in March 2011 (SOHR 02/12/2014).
Conflict Developments
Islamic State (IS, formerly the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) declared an Islamic
caliphate on 30 June, defining the group's territory as running from northern Syria to the
Iraqi province of Diyala, northeast of Baghdad. IS was in full control of Ar-Raqqa
governorate, its stronghold in Syria, as of October. It holds significant swathes of territory
in Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh, and Deir-ez-Zor, and has clashed with various armed groups when
spreading to new areas such as Rural Damascus, Damascus, and Homs. In recent weeks,
IS-related conflict events have been mainly recorded in Aleppo governorate, where the
group has been clashing with Kurdish forces in the area of Kobane. Latest reports indicate
that Kurdish forces now control 80% of the Kobane city area, although the IS offensive
continues, with clashes ongoing (SOHR, 05/01/2015; BBC, 16/01/2015). According to
the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, more than 1,600 people have died in
Kobane since the beginning of the fighting in September 2014, more than 1,000 of
them IS fighters (SOHR, 16/01/2015). In southeast Syria, IS’s advance on Deir-ez-Zor
airport has slowed after a campaign of several months (SOHR, 12/2014; OCHA,
05/12/2014; OCHA, 19/12/2014).
Jabhat al Nusra (JAN), linked to Al Qaeda, is increasingly consolidating its control in
northwestern Syria, previously held by the collapsing moderate opposition. JAN has turned
against other opposition factions, such as the Syria Revolutionaries’ Front (SRF) and the
Hazm Movement, which are considered mainstays of the Free Syrian Army (FSA). In
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conrast, mainstream Islamist groups have begun to strengthen relations with JAN. In midDecember, JAN seized the key Wadi al Deif and Hamidiyeh military posts, thereby gaining
control of most of Idleb province (AFP, 16/12/2014). Following recent victories against both
government and rival opposition forces, JAN has attempted to consolidate its influence in
rural Idleb, setting up checkpoints on key access routes and, in one town, arresting up to
50 activists seen as affiliated to FSA. This has resulted in protests, and in Salqin in
western Idleb, clashes between Ahrar al Sham (Islamic Front) and JAN (OCHA,
02/01/2015). Since the middle of the year, JAN has seized towns and extended its
influence along the border with Turkey. Armed opposition groups, including JAN, have
sustained their offensive on Nubul and Zahra villages, held by the Government, in Aleppo
(OCHA, 05/12/2014).
Some 12.2 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance inside Syria,
including 5.6 million children. Winter aid is a priority (OCHA/UNICEF/UNHCR 11/2014). 11
people in opposition-held areas, including seven children, have died from the extreme
winter conditions (AFP, 11/01/2015).
In a move that might reconsolidate opposition forces, on 29 November, 72 opposition
groups, including Ahrar al Sham, FSA and western-backed groups, formally established
the Syrian Revolutionary Command Council (RCC). Ahrar al Sham was reconstituted
following the merger of two group members, indicating growth and consolidation within the
alliance (ISW 09/12/2014). In Aleppo city, five major military factions, including Ahrar al
Sham, Jaysh al Mujahideen, and Harakat Nour al Din al Zenki, have united in a new
military command called the Sham Front, potentially a crucial step forward in their
continued defence of Aleppo City (ISW, 30/12/2014): opposition forces have launched an
incremental counteroffensive that has reversed government forces’ most recent gains in
Mallah Farms and seen opposition forces retake Handarat village (OCHA, 02/01/2015).
The UN’s response efforts are chronically underfunded: only 47% of the Syria component
of OCHA’s appeal is covered. Only 59% of the 2014 regional component has been funded
(Financial Tracking Service, 06/01/2015).
Government forces regained control of several areas north of Aleppo, in Homs city, and
in several areas in the Qalamoun region in Rural Damascus, in 2014. Syria's military is
increasingly using barrel bombs. About 2,000 airstrikes across 12 of Syria’s 14 provinces
killed at least 527 and wounded 2,000 people 20 October–28 November (SOHR/AFP
28/11/2014). Over 23–26 December, 474 airstrikes were carried out by government forces,
killing at least 115 civilians and injuring 420 people (SOHR, 26/12/2014). Central
governorates have witnessed an increase in airstrikes and the use of barrel bombs,
especially Rural Damascus.
International intervention: As part of a multinational campaign against Islamist militant
groups, a US-led coalition began airstrikes in mid-September on IS and JAN military
installations. 865 people have been killed, including 50 civilians (UNSC 21/11/2014). In
November, there were 160 airstrikes, down from 220 in October (SNAP 07/12/2014).On 17
January, the Combined Joint Task Force announced having carried out 29 air strikes
within 24 hours (The Guardian, 17/01/2015).
Israeli airstrikes near Damascus in early December are in line with previous strikes
targeting weapons shipments and missile components allegedly meant for delivery to
Hezbollah (ISW 09/12/2014).
The southern governorates, strategically important thanks to their proximity to
government-controlled Damascus and As-Sweida governorates, have become major
battlefronts. Opposition groups and JAN consider the south, especially Dar’a, as a main
stronghold, away from the threat of IS (SNAP 07/11/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Over two million people need humanitarian assistance in Aleppo governorate; food and
water assistance are the highest priorities. 1.2 million are in need in Idleb, 830,000 in ArRaqqa, 523,000 in Deir-ez-Zor, 504,000 in Al-Hasakeh, 483,000 in Hama, 381,000 in Dar’a,
347,000 in Lattakia, 108,000 in Rural Damascus, and 56,000 in Quneitra. In general, needs
are more severe in rural areas, specifically in the food, health, water, and NFI sectors
(MSNA 30/10/2014).
Syria also experienced severe drought conditions in 2014, impacting the availability of
drinkable water and the health status of the population, as well as reducing agricultural
output and local food production.
Access
There are 4.8 million people in hard-to-reach areas, including up to two million children
(UNICEF, 12/2014). 212,000 people remain besieged: in Nubul and Al Zahra in rural
Aleppo; Eastern Ghouta, Daryya, and Moadamiyah in Rural Damascus; the Old City in
Homs; and Yarmouk camp in Damascus. This is a decrease from 241,000 in mid-October
2014 (UNSC 21/11/2014; UNICEF, 12/2014). Shortages of food and medicine caused the
deaths of more than 300 civilians, including about 100 children, in areas besieged by the
Syrian regime in 2014, mostly Eastern Ghouta (AFP, 27/12/2014).
Interference by powerful groups or people is the biggest humanitarian constraint. In
government-controlled areas in Lattakia, Hama, and Idleb governorates, assistance does
not reach affected populations seen to be affiliated with opposing parties.
Security Incidents Involving Aid Workers
69 humanitarian workers have been killed in the conflict since March 2011. Twenty-seven
United Nations staff (including 24 UNRWA staff) have been detained or are missing
(UNSC 21/11/2014).
Trapped and Hard-to-Reach Communities
Aleppo: Government forces are in close proximity to a stretch of the only remaining
access route into Eastern Aleppo city. Approximately 300,000 civilians would be affected if
the Government successfully surrounds the east of Aleppo city, as all routes would require
actors to cross front lines (OCHA, 07/11/2014). Aid delivery to Aleppo is only infrequently
possible (UN, 10/2014).
Ar-Raqqa: Volatile security conditions and the presence of armed groups along access
routes have prevented deliveries since July (WFP, 11/11/2014).
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Damascus: Since mid-September, there has been a significant decline in the quantity of
relief items delivered to 18,000 civilians in Yarmouk Camp (UNRWA 07/12/2014;
30/12/2014). On 30 December, state news reported that around 217 people had been given
safe passage out of the area by the Syrian army (AFP, 30/12/2014). Food, healthcare,
NFIs, and shelter need are unmet, as persistent armed violence has prevented any
successful UNRWA aid distribution between 6 December 2014 and 14 January 2015
(UNRWA, 14/01/2015).
Dar’a: Intensified conflict has prevented deliveries to rural areas (WFP, 11/11/2014).
Deir-ez-Zor: Volatile security conditions and the presence of armed groups along access
routes have prevented deliveries since May (WFP, 11/11/2014). IS restricts access to
government-controlled areas, affecting approximately 150,000 civilians (UNSC,
21/11/2014).
Hama: Since the end of October, the deterioration of the security situation and numerous
checkpoints in rural areas has slowed deliveries (WFP, 11/11/2014).
Homs: Under partial siege for the past 12 months, over half of Al Waer’s 350,000
residents are IDPs, who are mostly living in substandard accommodation (WFP,
22/10/2014). Following intense negotiations, the first UN aid delivery for six months
reached Homs in November (AFP 13/11/2014).
Idleb: 1.3 million people have been affected by cuts in electricity supply, following a JAN
offensive on Idleb City (UNSC 21/11/2014). JAN’s seizure of two strategic military bases
opens up large stretches of the highway for humanitarian access, and has reportedly led to
the return of many refugees and IDPs (OCHA, 19/12/2014).
Quneitra: Intensified conflict prevented deliveries to rural areas (WFP 11/11/2014).
Border Restrictions
Border closures or tight restrictions by neighbouring countries are dissuading people in
life-threatening situations from seeking refuge abroad. At the two fully open crossing-points
between Turkey and Syria, refugees without passports are routinely turned away unless
they have urgent medical or humanitarian needs. JAN’s control of the Bab al Hawa border
crossing – a major access route to northwestern Syria – could lead to its long-term
closure by Turkish authorities (OCHA, 11/2014). The Turkish Government has opened a
new border crossing at Khirbet Jouz (ISW, 02/12/2014).
As of 10 January, the UN Security Council decided that United Nations agencies and
humanitarian partners could continue until 10 January 2016 with notification to the
Syrian authorities, to use the border crossings at Bab al-Salam, Bab al-Hawa, Al
Yarubiyah and Al-Ramtha in addition to those already in use as originally authorized
by resolution 2165 (2014) (OCHA, 16/01/2015).
As of 1 January 2015, Syrian refugees crossing back and forth between Turkey and
Syria will only be able to spend three out of every six months in Turkey or face fines.
Those without a valid passport or travel document will be turned back. Turkey-based
NGOs are worried the new regulations will hamper aid operations and leave staff
stranded in Syria, as many organizations are based in Turkey but oversee aid
operations within Syria run by local staff. Additionally, humanitarians have voiced
concern over rules inconsistently applied at border crossings (IRIN, 14/01/2015).
Five registered refugees have been fired at by Jordanian border patrols; one was wounded,
the other four were deported (HRW 24/11/2014).
Palestinian refugees are particularly affected by closed borders and forced returns from
neighbouring countries (UN 24/11/2014).
Critical Infrastructure
Due to fighting around Kobane, the city has been cut off from the national power network
for 11 months. For 9 months, the water supply from the station in the southern Shaioukh
district has also been cut off (Guardian/Bihar 10/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
There are 7.6 million IDPs within Syria; 50% are children (OCHA 25/11/2014). Between
January and September, the number living in IDP camps grew by 56%, from 108,000 to
approximately 165,000. Idleb has the highest concentration of IDPs, more than 40% of the
population. Elsewhere, IDPs generally account for 10–35% of the population (WFP
11/11/2014; MSNA 30/10/2014).
Changed conflict dynamics, ongoing violence, the depleted capacity of host families,
depletion of savings, and the search for better livelihoods are all contributing to increased
multiple displacement (MSNA 30/10/2014; OCHA/REACH 30/10/2014).
Displacement in September–November was mostly due to intensified conflict and most
reported in Aleppo, Dar’a, Hama, and Lattakia, followed by Ar-Raqqa, Deir-ez-Zor, and AlHasakeh. Lattakia (80%), Ar-Raqqa (60%) saw the biggest increase in their population
(WFP 11/11/2014; MSNA 30/10/2014).
Refugees
There are an estimated 29,000 Iraqi refugees in Syria. Almost 4,300 are registered in AlHasakeh governorate (UNHCR 25/11/2014).
Syrian Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
3,800,109 Syrians are registered or waiting to register as refugees outside Syria as of
18 January (UNHCR, 18/01/2014).
From January to September 2014, 100,000 new Syrian refugees were registered in
neighbouring countries – down from 150,000 per month in 2013 (UNHCR 09/2014). In
October, only 18,453 new refugees were registered by UNHCR (NRC/IRC, 12/11/2014).
Following a pledge by the aid community, western governments committed to take in
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around 100,000 Syrian refugees in the coming months (UNHCR, 09/12/2014).
Bread shortages are threatening food security in many areas, particularly in the north.
Turkey: 1,622,839 refugees (UNHCR, 31/12/2014), almost 892,000 of whom are outside
camps. The Government has suspended pre-registration as of 20 October to focus on the
full registration process: as of 11 December, at least 52,000 Syrian refugees have been
biometrically registered (UNHCR, 05/01/2014). The rate of full biometric registration is
reportedly 400 people a day (UNHCR, 20/11/2014). At Suruc, around 1,000 people are
estimated to be waiting on the Syrian side of the border. At Yumurtalik border crossing,
another 500–600 people are waiting (UNHCR, 11/12/2014).
Government subsidies have brought down inflation in some parts of the country. However,
in parts of opposition-held Dar’a, Deir-ez-Zor, and Rural Damascus, prices have risen over
75% in just over three months (WFP, 10/2014). If the conflict continues in 2015, it is
expected that 60% of Syrians will not be able to secure their own food requirements
(WHO, 10/2014).
Lebanon: 1,160,468 refugees (UNHCR 08/01/2015). Lebanon’s borders have been closed
to Syrian refugees since 24 October. Since January, Syrians wanting to enter Lebanon
must apply for a visa. Previously, Syrians were allowed to stay up to six months
automatically. It is unclear what this will mean for Syrians in Lebanon not registered as
refugees (BBC, 05/01/2015).
The “cereal belt” of Syria includes Ar-Raqqa, Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh, Deir-Ez-Zor, Hama, and
Idleb, and produces more than 80% of the country’s wheat. Drought and conflict have both
impacted production. According to FAO estimates, Syria’s overall cereal production in
2014 was approximately 18% below total production in 2013 and 38% below the five-year
average (2009–13) (FAO, 14/10/2014).
Jordan: 622,405 refugees (UNHCR 18/01/2015), with an average of 100–150 people
returning to Syria per day (IFRC, 18/12/2014). Between 3,000 and 4,000 people are
camped on the Syrian side of the border. UNHCR is trying to broker their access with
authorities. No entries through informal border crossings have been registered since 1
November (23/11/2014).
Livelihoods
Egypt: 136,717 refugees (UNHCR 12/01/2015). 150 have been deported to Syria, Lebanon,
and Turkey. More have received deportation orders (Amnesty International 14/11/2014).
I r a q : 233,625 refugees (UNHCR 31/12/2014). The Kurdish Regional Government’s
intelligence and security services have started to legalise the stay of Syrians who crossed
to KR-I via the Peshkabour border but have not been registered (UNHCR 11/2014).
Palestinians: Over 50% – or 280,000 – of approximately 540,000 Palestine refugees
registered with UNRWA in Syria have been displaced within Syria, and 12% to
neighbouring countries: 45,000 have been recorded with UNRWA in Lebanon; 14,642 in
Jordan and 860 in Gaza. Around 4,000 are reportedly in Egypt (UNRWA 28/10/2014).
Food Security
Almost 4.5 million are in need of food assistance. Food aid was resumed in mid-December,
following an ad-hoc funding campaign (WFP, 09/12/2014). WFP had suspended food aid for
1.7 million people affected by the Syria conflict, because of a funding crisis on 1
December (WFP/UNHCR 01/12/2014). The food aid basket for 4.2 million Syrians had
already been cut by 40% in October (AFP, 10/2014).
In many areas of Syria, food security is deteriorating because of continuing civil war and
fragmentation, international sanctions, disrupted food production, and hikes in domestic
fuel and food prices (WFP, 19/12/2014).
IDPs outside formal camps are most susceptible to food shortages. The most acute needs
are reported from Aleppo, Dar’a, Quneitra, and Rural Damascus, including 600,000
besieged civilians in Eastern Ghouta (MSNA, 10/2014). Food dispatches continue to be
hindered by worsening security, particularly in the northeast and south (WFP 25/11/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
More than half the population lived in extreme poverty at the end of 2013. Unemployment is
at 54% (3.39 million people) (Syrian Centre for Policy Research/UNDP, 19/10/2014). The
conflict has set the economy back more than three decades. Gross domestic product has
contracted by more than 40%, and exports have fallen by 90%. Oil production has dropped
by 96% (World Bank/IMF/AFP, 02/12/2014).
Economic pressure, erosion of livelihoods, lack of income-generating activities, and
increased size of households hamper access to services and goods across all sectors
(MSNA, 30/10/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Over 2.4 million people are in need of health assistance, with highest numbers reported
from Ar-Raqqa (627,600), Aleppo (475,270), and Al-Hasakeh (356,200). 43% of areas with
frequent fighting, and 37% with sporadic fighting, reported acute health needs (MSNA,
30/10/2014). The winter is likely to have a large impact on vulnerable people, particularly
those residing in the mountainous regions in northern Syria (WHO, 31/10/2014). The
chronically ill, disabled and child-headed households are the most vulnerable groups at
risk of health concerns (MSNA, 30/10/2014).
Tuberculosis, typhoid, and scabies have become endemic in northern Syria (AFP,
28/11/2014). In opposition-held Aleppo, cholera, typhoid, scabies and tuberculosis are
spreading among the population of 360,000 for lack of treatments or vaccines, according to
local doctors (Reuters, 08/01/2015).
WHO has not been able to deliver medical aid to the opposition-held parts of Aleppo,
despite a government promise to allow access end of December (Reuters, 08/01/2015).
Capacity
Since the start of the conflict, some 200,000 Syrians have died from chronic illnesses due
to lack of access to treatment and medicines. Hospitals are unable to cope with the
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demand for surgery, due to the increase in the number of injured – averaging 25,000 each
month – combined with a lack of (female) medical staff, severe supply shortages and
frequent power cuts (PHR, 10/2014).
711 of 1,921 primary health centres and more than one-third (37 of 92) public hospitals are
out of service (Syrian Ministry of Health/UNFPA, 11/2014). Five governorates (Aleppo,
Rural Damascus, Homs, Dar’a, and Deir-er-Zor) have the highest number of non-functional
public hospitals. Local drug production has fallen by 70% (WHO, 10/2014).
In Deir-ez-Zor governorate, contamination of the Euphrates River, heavy violence,
damaged water infrastructure, hot weather, overcrowded shelters, and frequent power cuts
have made the population more susceptible to the spread of communicable diseases.
Typhoid and hepatitis A are on the rise, with 76% of typhoid cases between January and
mid-July 2014 reported from Deir-ez-Zor (PHR, 10/2014).
Attacks on Health Workers and Facilities
nutritional status- was reported. Al-Hasakeh, Hama, and Tartous had the highest SAM
rates – above 3% – while Aleppo, Damascus, Deir-ez-Zor, Quneitra, and Rural Damascus
had SAM rates above 2.5% (2014 Nutrition Assessment (preliminary results); UNICEF,
21/10/2014).
Polio
21 January will mark one year since the last case of polio was reported in Syria,
indicating that transmission of the virus has been interrupted (Global Polio
Eradication Initiative, 16/01/2015). 36 polio cases have been reported in Syria since
October 2013.
Typhoid
More than 6,500 cases of typhoid were reported in Syria in 2014 (Reuters, 19/12/2014).
WASH
Between March 2011 and August 2014, 560 medical personnel had reportedly been killed,
mostly in targeted killings (PHR, 10/2014). In the same period, PHR documented 195
attacks on 155 separate medical facilities. Of these, 176 were committed by government
forces, 13 by non-state armed groups, and six by unknown forces (PHR, 25/09/2014).
Diarrhoeal Disease
Diarrhoea is one of the main causes of death for children under 12 months old (IFRC,
24/07/2014). The number of acute diarrhoea cases continues to increase, with 60,012
reported by mid-September, up from 22,169 reported in July (WHO, 22/08/2014; WHO,
30/10/2014).
Maternal Health
3 million women and girls of reproductive age are in need of care in Syria, including around
432,000 pregnant women. Every day, some 1,480 women give birth in dire conditions. 26
of 41 basic emergency obstetric care centres are reported as non-functional (Syrian
Ministry of Health/UNFPA, 30/11/2014).
Measles
4,200 cases of measles were reported in Syria in 2014 (Reuters, 19/12/2014).
Mental Health
More than 350,000 individuals in Syria are estimated to suffer from severe forms of mental
illness; over 2 million people suffer from mild to moderate problems such as anxiety and
depression disorders, and a large percentage have moderate to severe
psychological/social distress (WHO/UNHCR, 19/10/2014).
Nutrition
In areas with high IDP concentration, 2.3% Severe Acute Malnutrition –above the 2% crisis
threshold- and 7.2% Glocal Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate –within the threshold for poor
4.6 million people are in need of WASH assistance. Six out of ten governorates report
major problems in the WASH sector. Syrian families consume 40% less water than they
did pre-crisis.
All parties to the conflict are increasingly targeting vital services. One-third of water
treatment plants no longer function, and sewage treatment has halved. As of September,
three of four water pumping stations in Aleppo have been shut down, affecting over two
million people (PHR, 10/2014; WHO/UNICEF, 22/07/2014). More than 400,000 are reported
in acute need of water in Al Bab subdistrict of Aleppo governorate alone (MSNA,
30/10/2014). The cut-off of a main water source feeding Damascus has aggravated the
already scarce resource triggered by drought (UNICEF, 12/2014).
In November, after three months, UNRWA was permitted to transport limited amounts of
clean water into Yarmouk camp (UNRWA, 10/11/2014).
Shelter and NFIs
1.6 million people are in need of shelter assistance (MSNA, 30/10/2014). 1.2 million
houses have been damaged, 400,000 of which have been totally destroyed (UNHCR,
30/10/2014). Only IDPs in government-controlled areas receive shelter response, through
collective shelter rehabilitation and private shelter upgrade (UNHCR, 20/11/2014).
Many areas are unreachable due to snow, and temperatures are reaching record
lows. Most severely hit are mountainous areas. Minor physical damage has been
reported in some temporary shelters, including some flood and wind damage to tents
(13/01/2015). Several IDP camps in northern Idleb, along the border with Turkey, have
been flooded after days of icy rain and snow. A large number of families have been forced
out, after their tents and belongings were damaged (ECHO, 08/01/2015).
The dispatch of non-food items (NFIs) has fallen significantly since April, while 2.7 million
people are in need of NFI assistance (MSNA, 30/10/2014).
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Dar’a, Lattakia, and Quneitra have acute needs, followed very closely by Hama, Ar-Raqqa,
Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh and Rural Damascus. 40% of people identified in need of shelter are
located in Aleppo governorate, as are 34% of people identified in need of NFI assistance
(MSNA, 30/10/2014).
Education
Continued conflict and the recent closure of some schools in Ar-Raqqa and Deir-ezZor governorates and parts of rural Aleppo in Syria are believed to have disrupted
education for 670,000 school-aged children. In 2014 there were at least 68 attacks on
schools across Syria, killing at least 160 children and injuring over 340 (UN,
06/01/2015).
Nationwide, 51.8% of school-age children were not going to school (Syrian Centre for
Policy Research, 05/2014; AFP, 12/09/2014). 4,000 Syrian schools have been destroyed,
damaged, or used to house IDPs, leaving the educational system on the verge of collapse.
Reports indicate most schools in Ar-Raqqa are closed (UNICEF, 21/10/2014); airstrikes
have also caused damages to schools (UNICEF, 12/2014). 76 UNRWA schools – more
than two-thirds – have become unusable. Another 15 are used as collective shelters,
housing 6,043 people (UNRWA, 17/11/2014).
The primary reason for student drop-out is the need to work to support the family (Syrian
Interim Government/OCHA, 07/11/2014).
Protection
Protection is a priority concern in the Syrian crisis. Human trafficking, and reportedly
organ trafficking, is reported to take place in Syria (UNHCR 20/11/2014). Non-state armed
groups continue to commit violations, including summary executions. Ethnic and religious
communities in IS-occupied areas have been targeted directly (UN Human Rights Council
11/2014). IS has executed 1,429 people in Syria since June, the majority civilians (UN
Human Rights Council, 14/11/2014; SOHR/AFP, 17/11/2014). There are unconfirmed
allegations of IS abuses against the Al Shaitat tribe for refusing to recognise IS jurisdiction,
with hundreds of civilian members of the tribe reportedly abducted and detained in Deir-ezZor (UNSC 21/11/2014). Over November–December, IS killed 120 of its own members,
most of them foreign fighters trying to return home (SOHR, 28/12/2014).
Indiscriminate Attacks
In October and November, the government forces carried out more air strikes and barrel
bombings on opposition-held areas in the central and southern governorates, killing and
wounding civilians.
Improvised mortar bombs, used by Syrian fighters, killed 311 civilians between July and
December this year, two-thirds in Aleppo (SOHR/Reuters, 12/12/2014).
Recruitment
Non-state armed groups and the Government’s Popular Committees are increasingly
recruiting children: over 120 cases – more than half by the Free Syrian Army – were
documented between 1 January and 19 August, including girls, and some as young as
eight (UNSC, 08/2014). In Ar-Raqqa, IS is using education to foster a new generation of
recruits (UN Human Rights Council, 14/11/2014).
Kurdish residents of Amuda, Al Hasakeh governorate, held a demonstration
protesting the compulsory conscription of minors for service in YPG forces
following the conscription of a 16-year-old schoolgirl in the town (ISW, 12/01/2015).
Refugees
Over 280,000 PRS have been displaced, many multiple times. Over half of PRS are
currently unemployed and coping mechanisms are stretched to breaking point.
Chemical Weapons
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) maintains a presence
in Syria (UNSC, 10/2014). There has been a spate of allegations of chlorine attacks, the
most recent reported on the town of Kafr Zeta on 28 August (OPCW, 09/2014). An OPCW
commission found confirmation that a toxic chemical was used in three villages of northern
Syria earlier in the year.
Mines and ERW
In 2013, children accounted for almost half of 2,403 civilian casualties from landmines,
victim-activated improvised explosive devices (IEDs), cluster munition remnants, and
other explosive remnants of war (International Campaign to Ban Landmines/ Cluster
Munition Coalition, 19/11/204).Landmines in a restricted zone, laid along the border
decades ago by the Turkish military, killed at least three civilians trying to flee Syria and
injured at least nine others (HRW, 02/12/2014).
Detention
200,000 people are estimated to be in government detention, including 20,000 detainees
that are completely unaccounted for (SOHR/HRW, 02/12/2014). OHCHR continues to
receive reports of the use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment in government
detention facilities (UNSC, 21/11/2014). In 2014, 2,100 people have died in Syrian prisons
from torture, starvation, and lack of medical treatment, among them 27 children under the
age of 18 (SOHR, 10/01/2015; AFP, 11/2014). 11,000 detainees were allegedly freed after
President Assad declared a general amnesty in June (AFP, 11/2014).
Some 7,000 government troops held by opposition forces are unaccounted for (SOHR,
07/2014). Another 1,500 IS, other opposition, and Kurdish fighters have been kidnapped
during battles in recent months (AFP, 07/2014).
Sexual and Gender-based Violence
IS has sought to exclude Syrian women and girls from public life. Forced marriage of girls
to IS fighters and the selling of abducted girls into sexual slavery have been reported (UN
Human Rights Council, 14/11/2014).
Media
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Journalists and other media workers are systematically targeted.
Updated: 19/01/2015
YEMEN CONFLICT, FOOD INSECURITY, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
17 January: Houthis abducted President Hadi’s chief of staff, who heads the national
dialogue on Yemen’s political transition (AFP, 17/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- 15.9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 28/12/2014).
- 10.6 million are food insecure, including 5 million severely food insecure
(Comprehensive Food Security Survey 2014; WFP, 31/12/2014). Levels of food
insecurity have doubled since 2009 (FAO, 06/2014).
- 8.6 million have no access to healthcare (OCHA, 09/10/2014).
- One million children under five are acutely malnourished; 280,000 are severely
malnourished (OCHA, UNICEF 06/2014).
- 13.1 million do not have access to safe water and improved sanitation; 4.4 million lack
access to adequate sanitation (OCHA, 09/10/2014). Open defecation remains the
practice for more than 20% of the population (UNICEF 2014)
- There are 335,000 internally displaced people (IDPs), 227,000 returnees and 245,000
refugees in the country (OCHA, 09/10/2014).
- Extreme access constraints prevail in Hadramaut, Shabwah, and Marib governorates.
The governorates with the highest severity of needs are Aden, Abyan, Amanat Al
Asimah, Al Jawf, Sa’ada, Hajjah (OCHA, 22/12/2014).
OVERVIEW
The highest priority humanitarian needs include food and nutrition assistance, access to
healthcare, shelter – primarily for conflict-affected people – protection, and provision of
water and sanitation
Yemen’s political transition towards democratic elections in 2015 has stalled. In addition
to economic challenges, it continues to face three concurrent security challenges:
Houthi insurgents advancing from the north; southern secessionists; and Al Qaeda in
the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) throughout the country.
Political Context
Interim President Hadi is supposed to be overseeing a US-supported political transition
and structural reform, but instability and violence continue across the country. Shia Houthi
insurgents from the far north have de facto control over Sa’ada and neighbouring Amran,
and parts of Al Jawf, and Hajjah governorates, and have rejected the proposed division of
the country into six federated regions, claiming it is unequal in terms of wealth distribution.
At end November, Shi’ite and Sunni groups met for the first time for talks aimed at deescalating the crisis (AFP, 29/11/2014).
A large portion of southern leaders are still aiming for a fully independent, unified south.
Prime Minister Khalid Bahah’s Government received parliamentary approval in December,
after agreeing not to implement UN sanctions on Yemeni citizens (Yemen Times,
18/12/2014). The new Government was sworn in in November (Al Jazeera,
09/11/2014). Yemen's ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh had withdrawn his General People’s
Congress (GPC) party from the new Government (AFP, 09/11/2014; 13/11/2014). A Houthi
presidential aide stated the Houthi group endorsed the new Government despite its
opposition to some ministers (Reuters, 13/11/2014).
Southern Movement (Al Hirak)
Rallies in the south calling for secession have gained momentum since October due to the
developments in Sanaa and other northern governorates; one protester was wounded in
Yemen on 1 January (Yemen Times, 19/10/2014; AFP, 01/01/2015). The Southern
Movement continues to ask government employees for civil disobedience (Yemen Times,
16/12/2014).
On 27 October, the Southern Movement’s two existing councils were merged to represent
all southerners, and calling for the south’s full independence, a federal and parliamentary
political system, the restoration of the legitimacy of Ali Salem Al Beidh, president of South
Yemen before 1990, and his appointment as president of the south. The Southern
Movement has called on Houthi support (Yemen Times, 28/10/2014). 33 members of
parliament have formed the Southern Parliamentary Bloc, in support of protestors arguing
for secession (The Daily Star, 27/10/2014).
Economic Crisis
Yemen’s economic difficulties are adding to the political crisis. Oil revenues declined
almost 30% between January 2013 and January 2014 (Yemen Central Bank, 02/2014). In
July, the Government increased the price of petrol by 60% and diesel by 95%. On 1
December, it was reported that Saudi Arabia is considering stopping financial support to
Yemen, a move that could tip the country further towards economic collapse (IRIN,
01/12/2014).
Observers have warned that the economy will continue to decline if the Government
cannot protect pipelines. Attacks on oil pipelines are regularly reported (Al Jazeera).
Security Context
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In 2014, at least 7,000 people were killed, including 1,200 civilians, according to a Yemeni
think tank (Al Jazeera, 04/01/2014). 274 people have been killed and 470 injured in Sanaa
since September, according to the Yemeni Government. Other reports indicate 652 people
killed and 930 injured (Yemen Times, 22/12/2014).
The inability of internally divided state forcesto check the Houthis' ascent or dampen
sectarianism has galvanised separatist groups (Reuters, 09/11/2014). AQAP, Al Qaeda’s
powerful Yemeni branch, backed by Sunni tribesmen, have instead fought to halt the
Houthis’ advance (AFP, 20/10/2014).
Houthi Insurgency
The Houthis, also referred to as Ansarullah, are based in Sa’ada governorate. Their
advance in 2014 has seen fighting in Al Jawf, Amran, Al Bayda, Dhamar, Ibb, Marib, and
Hajjah governorates, as well as Sanaa and Al Hudaydah. On 31 December, Houthis seized
Raymah governorate (Yemen Times, 01/01/2015). The Houthis virtually control Ibb
governorate, with the exception of Udain, which AQAP and its allies recaptured in October
(29/10/2014). Houthis seized the Red Sea port city of Hudaydah in October.
Houthis took control of much of Sanaa in September. Protests against their presence took
place on 28 September, and Houthis began dismantling protest camps on 16 October,
although they were reportedly still in control of the city, operating checkpoints and keeping
guard outside key ministries, commercial districts, and diplomatic missions (Reuters,
19/10/2014). Violence persists despite a peace agreement and an annex covering security
and military conditions in Amran, Al Jawf, Marib, and Sanaa governorates, as well as other
governorates witnessing violence (Yemen Times, 29/09/2014).
The Houthis have taken up arms before, citing political, economic, and religious
marginalisation (Al Jazeera, 16/11/2009).
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Ansar al Sharia
AQAP, based in the south and east of the country, has expanded its presence in
Hadramaut. According to analysts, the Houthi advance has bolstered support for AQAP
and Ansar al Sharia: tribes in Ibb and Al Bayda, for example, who are opposed to the
Houthi advance, have allied themselves with Ansar al Sharia (Reuters, 09/11/2014).
According to the national security service, there are around 1,000 Al Qaeda militants
in Yemen from 11 Arab and non-Arab countries (AFP, 17/01/2015).
AQAP regularly targets army and security forces, foreigners for abduction, and oil
pipelines. In late December and early January, AQAP targeted several members of the
security forces, including in Al Bayda and Shabwah. Yemeni authorities blame AQAP for a
campaign of targeted killings in which up to 350 senior army officers have died in the past
three years (Reuters, 04/01/2014).
Security Incidents and Conflict Developments
Sanaa: On 17 January, Houthis abducted President Hadi’s chief of staff, who heads
the national dialogue on Yemen’s political transition (AFP, 17/01/2015).
On 7 January, a car bomb hit dozens of potential police recruits lining up at a police
academy. 37 people were killed and 66 wounded (AFP, 07/01/2015).
A number of bomb and IED attacks were reported in December (Yemen Times,
08/12/2014). On 14 December Houthis took control of Arhab district (Yemen Times,
16/12/2014). Armed Houthi ‘popular committees’ had mushroomed at improvised
checkpoints across the city. Critics charge that they are as a partisan force. Houthis have
also been accused of violently suppressing dissent (IRIN, 03/11/2014). The largest of a
number of attacks in October targeted a gathering for Houthi supporters, killing 47 and
wounding dozens more. Al Qaeda claimed responsibility (AFP, 09/10/2014).
Al Bayda: On 11 January, at least five men were killed and an unknown number
injured in a raid launched by armed tribesmen on Houthi headquarters in Rada. The
raid was launched to free five tribesmen who had been apprehended and detained by
the Houthis on 10 January, according to tribal sources (Yemen Times, 12/01/2015).
On 6 January, unidentified assailants killed a Yemeni tribal chief allied with Shi'ite
Muslim Houthi militias and at least four other people in an ambush in Al Zaher
district (Reuters/Yemen Times 06/01/2015).
Clashes between Houthis, AQAP and affiliated tribes began in October and intensified into
more sustained conflict in November, with violence mainly centred in Wald Rabi, Al
Quraishyah and Rada districts. Clashes have involved the use of rocket-propelled
grenades and attacks on schools and hospitals used by the warring parties (AFP,
17/10/2014; 20/10/2014; 08/11/2014). Rada is a mixed Sunni-Shi’ite area that has
frequently been the scene of clashes. As of early December, AQAP has reportedly
withdrawn mainly towards Marib governorate (OCHA, 01/12/2014). On 16 December, a
suicide bomb attack in Rada, targeting a Shi’ite militia leader, killed 25 people including 15
children (AFP, 16/12/2014). Over November–December, Al Bayda governorate
witnessed 28 security incidents, a 370% increase over the previous year (31/12/2014).
Dhamar: On 4 January, four people were killed and 25 wounded in a bomb attack targeting
a Houthi gathering in Dhamar city (AFP; Reuters, 04/01/2015).
Ibb: On 31 December, 49 people were killed and 70 wounded in a suicide attack on a
religious celebration by Houthi supporters in Ibb city (AFP, 01/01/2015).
Marib: A large influx of armed tribesmen have entered the governorate since 10 January.
Reinforcements from Al Jawf, Al Baida, and Sa’ada governorates are joining local tribes to
defend the governorate against possible Houthi assaults. According to tribal sources,
upwards of 30,000 armed tribesmen are stationed in Sahil area (Yemen Times,
12/01/2015). The Houthi leader threatened to seize Marib governorate on 3 January (Al
Arabiya, 04/01/2014). On 1 January, clashes broke out in the city of Marib between
tribesmen and government troops, whom the tribesmen suspected to be Houthi supporters.
Six soldiers and two tribesmen were killed (Al Jazeera, 02/01/2015). On 14 December,
AQAP claimed an attack which killed a leading General People’s Congress figure,
accusing him of supporting Houthis (Yemen Times, 16/12/2014).
85
Hadramaut: On 9 December, a suicide attack on the headquarters of the First Military
Command in Seyoun killed at least five people, according to officials (Al Jazeera,
09/12/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
Extreme access constraints prevail in Hadramaut, Shabwah and Marib governorates
(OCHA, 22/12/2014).
The ongoing fuel crisis and insecurity are slowing humanitarian operations and access.
Road closures further hamper aid deliveries.
Displacement
Several waves of conflict, lack of access, and the fluidity of displacement all make it
extremely difficult to estimate new displacements and needs.
In 2014, 80,000 people fled their homes due to conflict (OCHA, 09/10/2014).
In 2015, an estimated 915,000 refugees and migrants will require multi-sector humanitarian
assistance – an increase of 16% on 2014’s estimate (OCHA, 22/12/2014).
IDPs
Returnees
During October, IOM recorded 25,940 Yemeni returnees at the Al Tuwal border crossing
point between Yemen and Saudi Arabia (IOM, 14/11/2014). Between January 2013 and
September 2014, 936,408 Yemenis returned from Saudi Arabia, as the Saudi Government
restricted the activities of foreign workers (OCHA, 30/11/2014). Most returnees have acute
humanitarian needs.
At the end of November, 215,400 IDPs had returned home (OCHA, 31/12/2014). Returnees
were located in Abyan (138,631), Sa’ada (68,618) and Al Bayda (8,155) (OCHA,
31/12/2014).
Food Security
The food security situation shows a slight improvement since 2011. Nonetheless, 5
million people are severely food insecure (WFP, 31/12/2014). Nearly half of the rural
population and over one quarter of the urban population are food insecure (Comprehensive
Food Security Survey, 11/2014).
Sa’ada, Hajjah, Shabwah, Abyan and Lahj are in Phase 4 (Emergency), while Hudaydah,
Rayma, Al Dhale’e, Al Bayda, Ibb, Taiz, Al Mahweet, Sana’a (rural), Marib, Dhamar,
Amran and Al Jawf are in Phase 3 (Crisis). Sa’ada governorate has the country’s most
food insecure areas; more than 40% are of the governorate’s population severely food
insecure (Comprehensive Food Security Survey, 11/2014).
As of end of December, there were 334,000 IDPs in Yemen (OCHA, 22/12/2014). The vast
majority are hosted in five governorates: Sa’ada (103,014 people); Hajjah (88,603 people);
Amran (71,548 people); Sanaa (46,228 people); and Al Jawf (24,700) (OCHA, 11/2014).
Crisis levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3) are expected in the country between January
and June (FEWSNET, 12/2014). Emergency levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 4) are
expected in Shabwah, Abyan, Sa’ada, Hajjah and Lahj governorates over January- June
2015 (IPC, OCHA, 22/12/2014).
90% of IDPs are estimated to live outside camps (OCHA, 3/09/2014; Global CCCM
Cluster, 27/03/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
In Al Bayda governorate, 20,000 were displaced over November–December due to fighting
between armed groups. As of 21 December, around 1,500 people remain displaced
(OCHA, 01/12/2014; 31/12/2014).
Refugees
Around 800,000 refugees, asylum seekers and migrants require humanitarian assistance.
As of end November, 82,680 refugees and migrants had arrived in Yemen in 2014 (OCHA,
31/12/2014).
At least 2,000 Syrians refugees have been registered in Yemen since August. The total
number of Syrians in Yemen is estimated to be more than 10,000 (OCHA, 5/11/2014).
There has been a marked increase in arrivals of refugees and migrants from Africa, in
excess of 10,500 people in August. Border controls have been relaxed between Ethiopia
and Somalia since early 2014 (OCHA 29/09/2014). More than 243,000 Somali refugees are
living in precarious conditions either in the only refugee camp, Kharaz, or in urban areas.
One million undocumented Ethiopian migrants also live in Yemen (ECHO, 27/08/2014
Insecurity is hampering agricultural activity as well as agricultural assistance programmes
(FAO cited in OCHA, 08/10/2014).
Over December, the supply of essential food commodities continued to be normal in
most parts of the country. However, the flow of food commodities was disrupted in
some areas such as Hajja, Sa’ada, and Hudaydah, due to localised conflicts and
restricted border market access with Saudi Arabia, which affected the movements of
traders and the flow/supply of commodities, as well as the normal functioning of
markets, and had a negative impact on local food availability in some areas.
Food supply is expected to remain stable in the early months of 2015 (WFP,
31/12/2014). Yemen imports up to 90% of its main staple foods, including wheat and sugar.
Continued instability, currency depreciation, and low foreign reserve levels have all
contributed to costlier food imports and higher local commodity prices (WFP, 31/07/2014).
Livelihoods
The conflict in Sanaa has disrupted livelihoods and hurt the local economy (Yemen Times,
86
06/11/2014).
The loss of remittances due to the expulsion of Yemeni migrant workers from Saudi Arabia
is likely to have a severe impact on the lives of thousands of families (ECHO, 27/08/2014).
Health and Nutrition
An estimated 8.6 million people have limited access to health services (OCHA,
09/09/2014). Qualified medical staff are in short supply, as is medical equipment.
Nutrition
87
In 2015, an estimated 3.9 million children are living in areas where violations of their rights
constitute a serious risk. Of these, an estimated 2.6 million are in need of child protection
services (OCHA, 22/12/2014).
The Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict has reported that Houthis, Ansar al Sharia,
AQAP and state forces are all recruiting children (01/10/2014). Child recruitment by armed
forces and armed groups was also reported during the Amran conflict (UNICEF,
31/07/2014). Armed children guard checkpoints throughout Sa’ada, Ibb, Hudaydah,
and Amran (UNICEF, 31/12/2014).
SGBV
The number of acutely malnourished children under the age of five has fallen from an
estimated one million at the end of 2013 to just over 840,000 in 2014, according to the
Nutrition Cluster. In the same period, the number of severely acutely malnourished
children declined from 279,000 to about 170,000. However, more than one in ten children is
still acutely malnourished, with boys more affected than girls (Comprehensive Food
Security Survey, 11/2014).
About 100,000 people are predicted to require support related to gender-based violence in
2015. GBV in Yemen remains critically under-reported. From January to mid-October
2014, 8,300 GBV cases were reported (OCHA, 22/12/2014). In the first half of 2014, 285
cases of gender-based violence were reported in Aden (OCHA, 05/06/2014).
National GAM has slightly improved: 12.7% of under five children are malnourished
compared to 13% in 2011 (OCHA, 31/08/2014; FEWSNET, 16/09/2014). The
Comprehensive Food Security Survey shows that GAM has improved considerably in Al
Hudaydah, Aden, Lahj, Marib, Al Dhale’e, Hadramaut and Al Bayda; but severely
deteriorated in Taizz, Ibb, Dhamar and Al Maharah, due to various factors including poor
water and sanitation conditions, poor food consumption habits, and scarce health facilities.
Landmines and explosive remnants of war are a major concern in the northern
governorates. There were several incidents repored in Sanaa, Sa’ada, Al Dhale’e, Amanat
Al Asimah and Ibb in September and October (UNICEF, 31/10/2014).
WASH
Mines and ERW
In 2013, there were 49 casualties from mines or ERW, including 40 children (Landmine &
Cluster Munition Monitor, 19/11/2014).
Updated: 18/01/2014
An estimated 13.1 million people do not have access to safe water (OCHA, 09/09/2014),
12.1 million are without access to improved sanitation, and 4.4 million lack access to
adequate sanitation (OCHA, 28/02/2014). Open defecation remains standard practice for
more than 20% of the population and appears to be higher for young children (UNICEF
2014).
Education
In 2015, 1.1 million people affected by conflict or other disasters will require education
services, including provision of education or rehabilitation of schools, among other things
(OCHA, 22/12/2014). Over 350 damaged schools require rehabilitation or reconstruction,
affecting some 72,000 children (Yemen Times, 04/11/2014).
Nationwide, an estimated 2.5 million children are not in school (OCHA, 04/2014). 69% of
the estimated 1.14 million 6–14 year-olds not in school are girls (UNICEF cited in Yemen
Times, 04/11/2014).
Protection
Conflict in Sanaa has raised critical protection concerns regarding systematic violations of
human rights and international humanitarian law (OCHA, 08/10/2014).
Children
LEBANON CONFLICT, INTERNAL UNREST
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
18 January: An Israeli air strike in Quneitra in Syria’s Golan Heights, reportedly killed
ten people, including a senior Hezbollah figures as well a General of the Iranian
Revolutionary Guard. The attack has prompted fears of Hezbollah retaliation
(Washington Post, 19/01/2015; BBC, 19/01/2015; Middle East Monitor, 21/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
- 1,148,844 Syrians are registered as refugees in Lebanon. 11,624 are awaiting
registration (UNHCR 08/01/2015). Over 44,000 Palestinian refugees from Syria have
been recorded (OCHA 15/01/2015).
- As of late November, less than 60% of 92,400 refugee families in need of
weatherproofing assistance were planned to benefit from assistance (Shelter Cluster,
11/2014).
- An estimated 420,000 school-aged refugee children need education services (REACH
11/2014).
- Only 30% of Syrian children born in Lebanon have birth certificates (UNHCR
10/11/2014).
OVERVIEW
Lebanon has the highest per capita concentration of refugees worldwide. While the
country struggles to deal with the refugee influx, which exceeds a quarter of the
Lebanese population, tensions between host and refugee populations are increasing due
to food price hikes, and pressure on health and education systems, housing, and
employment. The number of poor living in Lebanon has risen by nearly two-thirds since
2011, to 2.1 million, and Lebanese unemployment has doubled (UNHCR 18/12/2014).
Political Context
On the grounds that elections would present too much of a security risk, the Lebanese
Parliament extended its mandate for another two years and seven months in November
2014, after a similar move in 2013. The Reform and Change bloc boycotted the extension
vote and said it would challenge the extension at the Constitutional Council (Daily Star,
12/11/2014).
Hezbollah has ruled out imminent presidential elections, despite admitting increased
domestic stability as a result of dialogue between Hezbollah and the Future Movement bloc
(Daily Star, 14/01/2015). Former president Michel Sleiman’s term expired on 25 May. The
March 8 bloc, which includes Hezbollah, has boycotted voting for the new president,
arguing that the sessions are futile until rival groups agree on a consensus candidate.
The Government, formed in February 2014 after ten months of political stalemate, brings
together the Hezbollah movement and its allies, and the Future Movement bloc, who back
opposing sides in the Syria war. Neither side has veto power over the other.
Security Context
Hezbollah’s involvement in Syria, and the alleged presence of Jabhat al Nusra (JAN) and
IS in Lebanon, raises destabilisation concerns in Lebanon. Along its northern and
northeastern border with Syria, Lebanon is engaged in a battle against Islamic State (IS),
JAN, and affiliated armed groups. JAN hinted at attacks on Hezbollah strongholds in
November, which observers perceive as consistent with JAN’s stated strategy to force
Hezbollah to withdraw from Syria and refocus on Lebanon. However, analysts estimate
that no more than 3,000 IS and JAN fighters are in Syria’s Qalamoun area on the border
with Lebanon, which is insufficient to wage a large-scale assault on the country (Stratfor,
03/01/2015; Daily Star, 06/01/2015).
On 18 January, an Israeli air strike in Quneitra, in Syria’s Golan Heights, reportedly
killed ten, including senior Hezbollah figures as well a General of the Iranian
Revolutionary Guard. The attack has prompted fears of Hezbollah retaliation
(Washington Post, 19/01/2015; BBC, 19/01/2015; Middle East Monitor, 21/01/2015).
Syrian warplanes reportedly entered Lebanese airspace on at least thre occasions
between 1 December 2014 and 10 January 2015, killing at least one person (OCHA,
15/01/2015).
Bekaa Valley: In August, armed fighters briefly took over the town of Arsal, in the Bekaa
Valley, with air raids along the border and bomb attacks targeting military and Hezbollah in
Arsal and Bekaa Valley. Violence in Arsal, and sporadic incidents across the country, have
been followed by an increase in raids and arrests by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
Around 950 people were arrested in November, for residing in Lebanon without a valid
permit, or on terror or drug-related charges, among others (Daily Star, 06/12/2014).
However, an overall decrease in security incidents was recorded between 1
December 2014 and 10 January 2015. The majority of incidents occurred in the ArsalBaalbeck area. Ten instances of armed clashes between the LAF and armed
opposition left at least seven LAF and three opposition fighters dead (OCHA,
15/01/2015).
Tripoli:
Since October, there have been several bouts of fighting in Tripoli between Sunni groups
sympathetic to armed opposition groups in Syria, and Alawite groups supporting the Syrian
Government. Fighting was recurrent before the alleged presence of IS and JAN, and is
mostly a manifestation of longstanding socio-economic grievances and sectarian tensions
(SNAP 06/11/2014). The fighting caused major damage to the impoverished Sunni
neighbourhood of Bab-al-Tabbaneh, home to some 100,000 people, including over 6,600
registered Syrian refugees (SNAP 06/11/2014; UNHCR 07/2014). On 10 January, a double
suicide attack killed nine people and wounded 37 others in an Alawite neighbourhood (AFP,
11/01/2015). JAN claimed responsibility for the attack (OCHA, 15/01/2015). Lebanese
security forces cracked down on Islamist militants in Roumieh prison, Beirut, relocating
inmates into higher security blocs and confiscating possessions, as prisoners were
allegedly linked to the bombings (Daily Star, 13/01/2015).
Prisoner Exchanges
Since clashes in early August, IS and JAN are believed to be holding about 25 Lebanese
soldiers and members of security forces. Arsal Deputy Mayor Fliti is mediating an
exchange. On 5 December, JAN executed a hostage, a Lebanese policeman, and vowed
to kill another unless the Government released women and children related to IS leader
Baghdadi and another IS commander. The execution led to unrest, including a spike in
security incidents targeting Syrian refugees. JAN again threatened again to kill captives
after the raid of Roumieh prison (Daily Star, 12/01/2015).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Some 3.3 million people in Lebanon, including 1.2 million children, are directly affected by
the Syria crisis (UNHCR 16/12/2014). Lebanon is also hosting 270,000 long-term
Palestinian refugees (UNICEF 12/12/2014).
Access
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Refugees live across 1,750 different locations in Lebanon, making the delivery of
humanitarian assistance challenging (UNHCR 10/2014). Northern Bekaa, Tripoli, and
Akkar are areas of higher risk for humanitarian workers (OCHA 30/11/2041), and the UN
will only carry out critical missions to parts of those areas (WFP 03/12/2014).
285,850; and South Lebanon 136,840 (UNHCR 08/01/2015). The number of Syrians in
Lebanon who are not registered with UNHCR is unknown.
In early January, stormy weather and snow cut off all routes in and out of the Bekaa Valley
(Medair 07/01/2015).
26% of refugees are women, and 53% children. 32% of registered families are headed by
women. Over 38% of households include at least one person with specific needs (UNHCR
09/2014). Most refugees come from Homs, Idleb, and Jebel Saman (Aleppo) (UNHCR
30/11/2014).
A backlog of work permits and delays in issuing visas to international staff is forcing
INGOs to to possibly reduce their operations in Lebanon (OCHA, 15/01/2015).
More than half of refugees coming to Lebanon moved at least once before crossing the
border; one in ten moved more than three times (UNHCR 01/09/2014).
Border Restrictions
Palestinian refugees from Syria: 44,000 Palestinian refugees from Syria (PRS) reside
in Lebanon (OCHA 15/01/2015).
In October, the Government formally agreed to stop welcoming displaced people, barring
exceptional cases, and to ask UNHCR to stop registering the displaced. The policy has
resulted in a substantial reduction in refugees registering and raised serious protection
concerns (UNHCR, AFP 24/10/2014; UNHCR 07/2014). During the last quarter of 2014,
some 14,000 refugees per month were registered by UNHCR, a sharp decline
compared to 2013’s monthly average of 59,000.
Since January, Syrians wanting to enter Lebanon must apply for a visa; previously,
Syrians were automatically allowed to stay up to six months. It is unclear what this will
mean for Syrians in Lebanon not registered as refugees; Lebanon’s Prime Minister has
promised to review the policy (BBC, 05/01/2015; Daily Star, 14/01/2015).
An average of 13% of registered refugees have entered through unofficial border crossings
and are not able to pay the prohibitive regularisation fees. Those who entered through
official crossings often have difficulties meeting the residency renewal fees (UNHCR
10/2014).
The unpredictability of policies and their implementation severely hampers the provision of
services and frustrates advocacy efforts aimed at a solid legal framework (SNAP
07/12/2014).
Palestinian refugees from Syria: Since May, PRS entry to Lebanon has been almost
entirely limited to those transiting to a third country. An increasing number of PRS remain
in Lebanon without legal stay, and face an array of protection concerns (OCHA
01/09/2014).
Critical Infrastructure
The shortage of surface water, due partly to little rainfall last winter, has reduced
hydroelectric power generation, leading to a scarcity of electric power (UNHCR 11/2014).
Displacement
Refugees in Lebanon
1,148,844 Syrians are registered as refugees in Lebanon. 11,624 are awaiting registration
(UNHCR 08/01/2015). Bekaa is hosting 409,260 refugees; Beirut 328,510; North Lebanon
Host Communities
All 446 host communities have reported inadequate or insufficient access to water, waste
water management systems, affordable housing, and employment opportunities.
Conditions in urban locations are better than in rural communities (OCHA 09/2014).
86% of Syrian refugees are living in Lebanon’s 242 most vulnerable locations. Competition
for scarce income-generating opportunities, more expensive goods and services, and less
affordable accommodation, are the main drivers of tensions (UNHCR 09/2014; REACH
08/2014)
Food Security
As of August, 13% of households were classified as moderately food insecure, and less
than 0.5% were considered severely food insecure. The highest levels of food insecurity
are found in North Lebanon (Akkar) and the Bekaa Valley (WFP 18/12/2014). 27% of new
Syrian refugees have poor to borderline food consumption scores (UNHCR 08/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
A severe drought has resulted in a substantial decline in agricultural production throughout
the country (FAO 11/2014). Average rainfall in 2014 is estimated at 470mm, far below
annual averages of 824mm (Inter Press Service 07/2014). Prices inflated as a result, with
fruit and vegetables most affected. Aid workers say much of the suffering due to water
shortages could be alleviated by repairs to infrastructure (VOA, 23/12/2014).
Aggregate cereal consumption has increased from 0.9 million metric tons a year (2004
–2008) to 1.2 million. Lebanon relies heavily on imports: national grain production is
tentatively put at just under 200,000 metric tons, similar to last year and the five-year
average (FAO 11/2014).
Livelihoods
78% of refugee households are not able to generate an income, citing a lack of work as the
main issue. 28% of Syrian refugee households resorted to emergency coping strategies in
2014, up from 22% in 2013. Newcomers arriving in 2014 are in general more vulnerable.
39% of refugees surveyed in July were unemployed for over 12 months in Syria before
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fleeing to Lebanon (UNHCR 09/2014).
30% of refugees are unemployed and 88% of the employed are paid 40% less than the
minimum wage. Female Syrian workers earn 30% less than male workers (UNHCR
09/2014). 68% of refugee households reported that WFP vouchers were their main source
of income (WFP 09/2014). Approximately 80% of households borrowed money or received
credit and/or money to buy food (WFP 09/2014)
Palestinian refugees from Syria: More than 37% of PRS have reported cash and food aid
as their main source of income (UNRWA, 03/2014). The majority of employed PRS cannot
rely on wages to ensure a decent standard of living. Only 11% of PRS households were
able to rely on previous savings and remittances.
Health and Nutrition
72% of primary health centres assessed by UNICEF lack sufficient essential drugs, 67%
lack sufficient medication for chronic diseases, and 49% lack sufficient antibiotics for
children (08/2014).
Lebanon has a private healthcare system, and cost is a major obstacle for refugees,
despite UNHCR covering 75% of medical charges (MSF 19/11/2014). Short opening hours
and lack of trained health personnel further limit access. In Akkar, Tripoli, and Bekaa,
people have to travel over 2km to access services (OCHA/REACH 10/2014).
Mental Health
Around 300,000 displaced Syrians are estimated to be most vulnerable to mental health
concerns; 60% are women and children (WHO 07/2014). 89% of Syrian youth (18–25
years of age) have described themselves as depressed, anxious, or afraid most of the
time (UNFPA; UNHCR 10/2014).
WASH
Demand for water has increased by 7% due to the refugee influx: 33% of refugee
households do not have drinking water, compared to 28% in 2013 (VASyR 08/2014;
UNHCR 07/2014). In some areas, water shortages can only be addressed through
infrastructure projects (UNHCR 09/2014). An estimated 55.4% of households reported
storing water in containers at home, which can increase the risk of infectious disease
transmission (UNHCR 10/2014).
Lack of funding in the Tripoli area has led to the suspension of WASH activities in Koura
and Batroun districts (UNHCR 31/10/2014).
WASH conditions are worse for refugees in informal settlements, in difficult-to-access
locations in the Bekaa Valley and the north, and PRS (UNHCR 07/2014). Informal
settlements have limited or no sanitation facilities.
Approximately 12% of households (twice the percentage in 2013) do not have access to a
place for washing. Of those who had access, over 7% were sharing bathrooms and latrines
with 15 people or more (VASyR 08/2014).
Only 8% of wastewater in Lebanon is treated, and the increase in the population has led to
an 8–14% increase in the amount of wastewater generated (Ministry of Environment;
UNHCR 16/12/2014).
Waste management: Waste management remains poor in most places where refugees
live. Diminishing funding has reduced waste management activities in Bekaa and the north,
and municipalities do not have the capacity to collect (UNHCR 09/2014).
Shelter and NFIs
Shelter remains an urgent concern. The number of evictions is growing every month
(UNHCR 10/2014). 55% of Syrian refugees live in substandard housing, including 38% in
insecure dwellings; and 17% in improvised informal settlements (UNHCR 09/2014). There
is a 41% gap in substandard shelter assistance because of lack of funding (UNHCR
31/10/2014).
As of 1 September, 1,392 informal settlements house 186,240 refugees; in June 2012,
there were 282 informal settlements (UNHCR 09/2014, 07/2014). Bekaa has over 700
settlements, and Akkar has over 300, some of which were severely damaged by heavy
rainstorms in October. In Akkar, the majority of informal settlements had existed for a year
or more, and are generally on private land, on the outskirts of host communities. The
populations are highly dependent upon assistance and loans (UNHCR/ REACH 11/2014).
Winterisation: An approximate 47% gap is recorded in weatherproofing assistance
for substandard shelters (OCHA, 15/01/2015). In UNICEF target areas, needs for winter
items have more than doubled since the previous winter – over 60% of Syrian refugees
live in the north or the Bekaa Valley, where winter conditions are more severe than in the
rest of the country. There have been reports of more than 100 shelters and tents damaged.
Flooding and standing water is a problem in many places. In southern coastal areas, high
waves have flooded some settlements (UNHCR, 09/01/2015). Akkar and the Bekaa
Valley are particularly affected by snow (OCHA, 15/01/2015). Unconfirmed reports by
local sources indicate that ten Syrian refugees died due to low temperatures during
the snowstorm (Reuters, 20/01/2015).
Palestinian refugees from Syria: The PRS population has increased from 110,000 to
140,000 since 2011: 44,000 are Palestinian refugees from Syria (OCHA 09/2014; 01/2015).
PRS households are residing in alarmingly crowded dwellings, with an average of 4.6
persons per bedroom; 8.4 people on average share one bathroom. Most households (71%)
reported paying rent for shelter. Slightly over a quarter of households (27%) were hosted
free of charge.
Lebanese returnees: At least 20,000 Lebanese nationals had returned from Syria by midDecember (UNDP, UNHCR, 18/12/2014). Assessments indicate that at least 51% of
returnees are shelter insecure: 27% live in single-room structures, warehouses, garages,
or unfinished buildings; 4% live in informal settlements and collective shelters; 4% are
classified as homeless (IOM/OCHA 09/2014; UNHCR 07/2014).
Education
The school-aged population has increased by almost 480,000 as a result of the refugee
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influx. More than 420,000 children are in need of education services (REACH 11/2014;
VASyR 2014). 90,000 Syrian refugee children between the ages of 5 and 17 were enrolled
in public schools in 2013/2014.
SGBV, or victims, from seeking and receiving adequate protection. Other challenges
include lack of documentation and growing tension between refugees and host
communities.
Roughly 65% of community representatives in Akkar and Tripoli have reported improving
access to education as urgent or critical (OCHA/REACH 10/2014). The biggest barrier to
schooling is financial. Other obstacles are a lack of awareness of available educational
support; a lack of space in public schools; and the cost of transportation. Language
barriers and safety concerns contribute to a high drop-out rate among refugee children
(REACH 11/2014; UNHCR 09/2014).
Child Protection
Palestinian refugees from Syria: About 6,600 PRS students have enrolled in 60 UNRWA
schools for the 2014/2015 school year (UNRWA 03/12/2014). School enrolment rates have
doubled since the previous academic year, to 64%. Enrolment rates are lower for PRS
living outside camps, and decrease as children grow older (even within the same
household): children aged 13 years and older are facing difficulties adjusting to UNRWA’s
Lebanese curriculum, taught in English or French.
Protection
Members of the Lebanese army have committed serious violations, including violations of
the rights of detained refugees, evictions, and threats of eviction. In addition, 45 Lebanese
municipalities have imposed curfews on Syrian refugees since the clashes in Arsal in
August. Such curfews violate international human rights law and appear to be illegal under
Lebanese law (HRW 10/2014). 570 people were evicted by security forces in October,
down from 3,855 in September (UNHCR 31/10/2014).
Statelessness: Stateless refugees in Lebanon include Syrian Kurds who were
denaturalised in Syria in 1962. Between March 2011 and August 2014, 34,272 Syrian
refugees have been born in Lebanon. 72% do not possess an official birth certificate
(UNFPA 30/11/2014). The exact number is difficult to ascertain.
Upon arrival, refugees require prompt registration and documentation to ensure access to
services, relief assistance, and effective protection interventions. The lack of a legal or
administrative refugee framework; the dispersed refugee population; lack of civil status
documentation; irregular legal statuses; physical safety and security; and limited access to
justice remain challenges (UNHCR 31/10/2014).
Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Displacement increases the risk of SGBV, as does overcrowding, lack of incomegenerating opportunities, and lack of privacy. Unaccompanied girls and adolescents, single
heads of households, child mothers and spouses, and women and girls living with
disabilities are the most at risk (UNHCR 14/11/2014). 25% of survivors of reported SGBV
cases are under 18 years of age.
The mobility of refugee women in Lebanon is reportedly restricted due to fear of sexual
harassment and exploitation (UNFPA 13/08/2014).
A weak legal framework, limited resources, and social barriers prevent refugees at risk of
Only 30% of Syrian children born in Lebanon have birth certificates (UNHCR 10/11/2014).
There are no official statistics on child marriage, which exists in some areas; but the rate
has risen with the influx of Syrian refugees (UNICEF, AFP 08/2014). Child labour is also
reported to be increasing,. The fragile national child protection system, compounded by
protracted displacement and a dispersed refugee population, remain the main challenges in
addressing refugee child protection risks (UNHCR 31/10/2014).
Mines and ERW
Lebanon has nearly 1,400 confirmed minefields and 520 cluster munitions strike areas,
including in areas hosting refugees. In March 2014, refugees were living within 10–20m of
known minefields in West Bekaa and Rashaya (Mine Action Group).
Updated: 21/01/2015
MYANMAR INTERNAL UNREST, FLOODS, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
15 January: Renewed fighting between Myanmar government troops and the KIA in
Hpakant area, Kachin state has displaced an estimated 1,500 civilians. 2,500
civilians remain blocked around around Kan See village (ECHO citing OCHA,
21/01/2015; AFP, 15/01/2014)
KEY CONCERNS
- Repeated bloodshed between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine state since 2012,
with human rights abuses reported against the Muslim minority (UN).
- 640,000 IDPs, resulting from years of internal conflict, including mainly Rohingya
Muslim 137,400 IDPs in Rakhine state (OCHA, 08/2014).
Political Context
Myanmar’s first democratic elections in 25 years are scheduled for October or November
2015 (local media, 21/10/2014). In October 2014, unprecedented talks were held between
President Thein Sein and his political rivals, including Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as senior
military and election officials. On 31 October, government officials stated that Parliament
would consider amending the country's constitution – which currently bars Suu Kyi,
released from house arrest in 2010, from becoming president – ahead of elections next
year (AFP, 31/10/2014).
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Nonetheless, local activists report that the prosecution of dissidents is continuing. In
October, civil society representatives stated that political reform has stalled (HRW,
17/10/2014).
Peace Negotiations
Minority groups make up some 30% of the 51.4 million population, and ethnic and political
groups have conducted protracted insurgencies mainly in remote and economically
marginalised areas such as Kachin, Kayin (Karen ethnic group), Kayah (Karenni), Rakhine,
and Shan states (Government, 28/08/2014).
In 2013, authorities signed several peace deals with various insurgent movements, with
the exception of the Kachin Independence Army (the armed wing of the Kachin
Independence Organisation, or KIO), and the ethnic Ta’aung army (TNLA). In mid-August
2014, leaders of ethnic groups announced that the Government had agreed to include their
longstanding demand for a federal system in a draft accord (Center for International and
Strategic Studies, 22/10/2014). However, in October, a leader of the United Nationalities
Federal Council (UNFC), the main ethnic coalition, warned that the military’s refusal to give
up its parliamentary veto to any amendment to the constitution, and the failure to provide
more powers to ethnic states, would make efforts to forge a nationwide ceasefire
meaningless (local media, 24/10/2014). According to a senior member of the NCCT, the
NCCT were to meet with government officials in January 2015 (local media, 23/12/2014).
Security Context
Despite peace negotiations, the security situation remains tense in parts of Myanmar. The
Government came under criticism in October, for what has been perceived as a series of
offensives against ethnic armed groups in Kachin, Karen, Mon, and Shan states (local
media, 20/10/2014). In the west, massive human rights infringements against the Rohingya
Muslim minority in Rakhine state continue to be reported.
In early December, the UNFC announced the establishment of the Federal Union
Army (VoA, 02/12/2014).
Rakhine State
Tensions remain high in Rakhine state, with authorities imposing restrictions on the
displaced Muslim minority after government attacks on Rohingya Muslims were reported in
January. The Government denies the incident. Over 17–18 November, robberies and
arbitrary arrests were reportedly carried out by security forces in Maungdaw Township.
The victims were Rohingya Muslims (local media, 20/11/2014).
Kachin State
The KIO still has administrative control over several key areas of Kachin, and clashes
between its army, the KIA, and the Myanmar army have been intermittent since the
termination of a 17-year ceasefire in June 2011 (local media, 06/10/2014). Renewed
fighting between Myanmar government troops and the KIA started on 15 January in
the area of Hpakant. The KIA took the state transport minister and three police
hostage (AFP, 15/01/2015). There had been reports of shelling by government forces in
November near Laiza and Mai Ja Yang (OCHA, 24/11/2014). 23 militants were also killed
in an attack on a KIA camp near Laiza; the victims were not Kachin, but members of
affiliated militias (local media, 28/11/2014).
Kayah State
According to reports from early December by local activists, government military forces
have been expanding their presence in Kayah state with various measures, including the
confiscation of land for military purposes (local media, 08/12/2014).
Kayin and Mon States
On 14 October, the commanders of units of different Karen armed groups, including the
Democratic Karen Buddhist Association (DKBA) and parts of the Karen National Liberation
Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karen National Union, announced they would begin
military cooperation in order to confront the increase in army operations in their areas over
past months (local media, 14/10/2014).
In November, fighting between a Karen armed group and the military displaced 700 people
(WFP, 15/11/2014). Fighting in October reportedly displaced 2,000 people towards
Thailand (local media, 08/11/2014). Tensions and occasional incidents escalated into fullscale clashes between government forces and the DKBA on 26 September. In some of the
worst fighting since 2012, mortar fire and rocket-propelled grenades were reported in Mon
state’s Kyaikmayaw township and near Kayin state’s Myawaddy town (local media,
29/09/2014).
Shan State
Fighting continues in eastern Shan state, and hundreds of people have fled insecurity since
June. On 10 December, clashes were reported between the Myanmar army and KIA,
TNLA, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Muse district.
Clashes were also reported between TNLA and the army over 8–9 December, in Namhsan
Township and Kyaukme Township. According to the TNLA, there have been seven clashes
with the army since the beginning of December (local media, 12/12/2014).
On 21 October, two soldiers died in a rocket-propelled grenade attack during clashes with
armed Ta’ang in Loilen district’s Namsang township, and two were injured, according to
opposition groups (local media, 24/01/2014). Over 15–17 October, fighting occurred in
northern Shan state between allied forces of the TNLA, KIA, and MNDAA and the Myanmar
army (local media, 17/10/2014). In July, two civilians were killed and at least ten children
wounded after fighting between government troops and opposition. Fighting between the
regular army and the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) has continued despite a ceasefire
agreed in January 2012.
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
According to local NGOs, the delivery of aid to conflict-affected communities in remote
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areas within Shan and Kachin states is hampered by the categorisation of some areas as
“black zones” by the Myanmar army, restricting foreign groups’ access (IRIN, 08/10/2014).
Insecurity also impedes access.
Kachin state: There has been no cross-line humanitarian assistance to non-governmentcontrolled areas in Kachin state since September, due to the volatile security situation and
delays in government authorisation. Some 27,500 IDPs around Laiza and east of Bhamo
have not received blankets and warm clothes for winter. This includes over 12,000 children
considered by humanitarian organisations to be particularly vulnerable (UNHCR,
30/11/2014). IDP camps near Laiza, Kachin state, are also reported to be facing a
shortage of food supplies. None of the food distributions planned by WFP and its partners
were able to take place in non-government areas in October and November (local media,
05/12/2014; UNHCR, 30/11/2014). More than 20 IDP camps are under KIO management,
with an estimated total population of 50,000 (local media, 05/12/2014).
By mid-December, villages in Kachin state, particularly in the Hpakant area, reported
movement restrictions due to fighting between the Myanmar army and the KIA (local
media, 16/12/2014).
Rakhine state: Access to services is impeded by tension and restrictions on freedom of
movement. As of mid-July, a vulnerability mapping exercise showed that 36,000 Rohingya
Muslims in 113 isolated villages in Rakhine state have no or limited access to basic
services, including markets, education, and healthcare (OCHA). Buddhist Rakhine
activists and politicians have campaigned to restrict healthcare and other aid for the
Rohingya living in the state.
International media reports from the end of July indicate that access to northern Rakhine
state along the Myanmar–Bangladesh border is tightly restricted. The Government has
designated a specific area of Sittwe – the Southern Quarter – for relief organisations to
establish offices and accommodation. NGOs and UN agencies say limited space in the
Southern Quarter is a key constraint to operating at full capacity (USAID 02/07/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
As of 1 August, there are 639,500 IDPS in Myanmar (OCHA, 08/2014). An estimated
236,000 IDPs require humanitarian assistance in Kachin, Rakhine, and Shan states
(USAID, 20/10/2014).
As of end October, 3,300 people remain displaced in Meiktila, Mandalay region, following
inter-communal violence that broke out in March 2013. With winter approaching, mats,
blankets, and other essential items are needed (OCHA, 31/10/2014).
Rakhine: There are approximately one million Rohingya in Rakhine state; most are
considered crisis-affected and need humanitarian assistance. 139,000 people, mainly
Rohingya Muslims, continue to be displaced as of end October, after the Government
moved some 140,000 Muslims into closed camps following inter-communal violence in
2012 (IRIN, 05/11/2014; OCHA, 31/10/2014).
Rohingyas not living in camps are restricted to their communities in northern Rakhine state
and unable to move freely (Refugees International, 14/11/2014). An estimated 50,000
displaced people live in host communities and 50,000 in isolated villages (OCHA
31/07/2014).
Kachin: 98,371 people are displaced in Kachin and Shan states, with more than half living
in areas where government services are not available (OCHA, 12/2014). An estimated
20,000 IDPs live with host communities. Many have been displaced for up to two years,
triggering both emergency and medium-term needs. Shelters and water systems in IDP
camps need repair or replacement and families lack the means to generate income
(OCHA, 30/09/2014). On 29 December, Sin Kyaing IDP camp in Kachin state caught fire,
leaving 100 households without shelter or food in winter (local media, 29/12/2014). IDPs
who have been resettled in Ngwe Pyaw Standard Village, a purpose-built village near
Myitkyinar township, are reportedly facing severe shortages, as access to livelihoods is
extremely limited (local media, 08/11/2014). Renewed fighting between government
forces and KIA in Hpakant has displaced an estimated 1,500 civilians. 2,500 people
remain blocked around around Kan See village (ECHO, 21/01/2015).
Mandalay region: Approximately 3,300 people are displaced in Meiktila (UNICEF,
30/11/2014).
Returnees
Land taken by the military, the state, and companies close to the Government impede the
orderly future return of refugees, particularly from Thailand, and the resettlement of IDPs
to their home communities or new sites (Center for International and Strategic Studies,
22/10/2014).
Refugees from Myanmar
According to UNHCR as of late March, over 415,000 refugees originate from Myanmar. In
early November, UNHCR reported that an increasing number of people, mainly Rohingya,
are setting out to sea on smuggling boats; many capsize. In mid-November, about 12,000
Rohingya had left Rakhine since 15 October, thought to be heading for Thailand, and a
month later had not yet reached their destination, according to relatives and an advocacy
group (VOA, 28/10/2014; Reuters, 15/11/2014). As of end November, the number of
Rohingya who have fled since early October was thought to have reached 19,000 (AFP,
30/11/2014).
Bangladesh: To date, most Rohingya are denied refugee status by the Bangladeshi
authorities. An estimated 30,000 Rohingya Muslims live in official camps, where they are
assisted by aid agencies, and another 200,000 refugees reside in unofficial camps or
Bangladeshi villages where they get little or no humanitarian assistance and almost no
protection from human rights abuse. On 6 November, the Bangladeshi Government
announced that Rohingya refugees will be relocated from the existing camps, as the area
will be developed for tourism (local media, 09/11/2014).
Malaysia: As of end November, over 40,000 Rohingya registered with the UN are in
Malaysia. Rohingya activists say a roughly equal number are unregistered (AFP,
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30/11/2014).
Thailand: Since June, movement restrictions have been more strictly enforced; Myanmar
refugees are banned from leaving the camps, confined to their homes 1800–0600, and
threatened with deportation if they do not comply (Refugees International 29/08/2014). In
July, the Thai authorities pledged to send back to Myanmar about 100,000 of the 120,000
refugees living in border camps (UNHCR has registered 76,000 refugees). According to
senior Thai military officials, measures are in place to deter boats from approaching the
country's shores (Reuters, 15/11/2014). Rohingya Muslims are reportedly subject to
human trafficking in Thailand (international human rights organisations, 12/2013).
Food Security
Overall, the food security situation has improved. However, recurrent inter-communal
tensions since June 2012 have negatively impacted the food security situation, mainly for
IDPs (FAO, 24/09/2014). 70,000 people are food insecure in Rakhine state (OCHA,
31/10/2014).
As of September, WFP expected that funding shortfalls would limit the ability of
humanitarian actors to address food needs in Myanmar beginning in November (USAID,
30/09/2014).
Agricultural Outlook
Drier than average conditions were the norm in 2014, affecting cultivation. The central,
mainly agricultural, regions were most seriously affected, although aggregate national crop
production is not expected to be significantly affected (WFP, 09/12/2014).
Livelihoods
In June, 2.1% SAM and 6.8% MAM was found among 32,000 children under five screened
in Rakhine. This indicates a deterioration in parts of Rakhine state since March. Severely
malnourished children are being referred to Sittwe hospital; fewer referral services, high
transportation costs, and fear of travelling to Sittwe are preventing many children from
receiving medical care (OCHA 30/06/2014).
Shelter and NFIs
In Rakhine state, 15,000 people are in urgent need of shelter repair. In Kachin, there is a
major need to scale up maintenance and repair work, to reduce the need for reconstruction
(OCHA, 31/10/2014).
Displaced people and vulnerable communities in Rakhine have limited access to cooking
fuel and energy. The situation is particularly difficult for over 80,000 IDPs who have been
in camps in Sittwe Township for over two years. Households in camps and isolated
villages are relying on negative coping strategies, using shelter materials or unsustainable
and hazardous materials as fuel, the exchange of food rations for fuel, and overexploitation of surrounding forest and woodland (OCHA, 30/11/2014).
WASH
In Rakhine state, a general deterioration in the WASH situation in camps is aggravating
health problems and increasing the risk of waterborne disease (OCHA, 11/09/2014).
Education
In Rakhine state, 28,000 vulnerable children require education support. 60,000 adolescents
in isolated communities are without any education opportunities (OCHA, 08/2014).
Protection
The trend for poppy cultivation in Shan state, which was on the course of being wiped out
ten years ago, has reversed. Poppy cultivation has tripled since 2006, with close to 60,700
hectares of poppy farms, according to UN surveys (NY Times, 03/01/2015)
Rohingya fishermen of Maungdaw township, Rakhine state, have been barred from fishing
since 7 November (local media, 10/11/2014).
Health and Nutrition
The biggest challenge in Rakhine is access to healthcare (OCHA, 30/09/2014). If Rohingya
camp residents wish to leave their camp to see a doctor, they must first obtain a referral
by a government doctor and reportedly must also often bribe the security guards (Center
for International and Strategic Studies, 22/10/2014). Only patients in the most critical
condition tend to reach hospital. Access to health services in Rakhine state remains
significantly below levels before February, when a Médecins Sans Frontières office and
Malteser suspended activities, according to the World Health Organization (OCHA,
30/09/2014).
Nutrition
About 200 Shan people are alleged to have been forcibly recruited into the Kachin
Independence Army since the start of armed clashes with the army in June 2011 (local
media, 11/11/2014).
Legal Status of Rohingya Muslims
In 2014, for the first time, Rohingyas were included in the census. The census figures
indicated 1.1 million people in Rakhine state, almost a million of them Rohingya Muslims
(UNFPA, 30/08/2014).
Over 800,000 people, mostly Rohingya Muslims, are estimated to be without citizenship in
the northern part of Rakhine state (UNHCR). Myanmar continues officially to state that the
Rohingya Muslims are migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh, thus excluded from
citizenship under the 1982 Citizenship Law. The Government has drafted a plan which
would force Rohingya Muslims either to register as Bengalis or be detained. Rakhine
authorities would construct temporary camps for people who refuse to be registered or who
are without adequate documents. Rights advocates say this could put thousands of
Rohingya at risk of indefinite detention. Accepting the term Bengali could leave the
Rohingya vulnerable if authorities class them as illegal immigrants and attempt to send
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them to Bangladesh (Reuters, 27/09/2014).
20 January: A suicide blast in Rawalpindi in Punjab injured three (DAWN).
Children
In 2014, 376 children have been released from the armed forces (UNICEF 24/11/2014).
KEY CONCERNS
SGBV
- Over 1.1 million displaced by military operations Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan and
Khyber Agency (DAWN, 06/01/2015). There were already 930,000 IDPs in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and FATA as of mid-December 2013.
In 2014, the Women’s League of Burma released a report that documented more than 118
victims of sexual violence at the hands of the Myanmar army since Thein Sein’s
government took power (local media 26/11/2014).
Assessments in camps for recently displaced people in northern Shan state indicate that
domestic violence is prevalent in the camps. Drug consumption and other negative coping
mechanisms among men were identified by the women as a contributing factor. Adolescent
girls are exposed to particular protection risks, according to the assessment findings.
Cross-border trafficking for the purposes of domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, and
forced marriage was identified as a major protection concern by respondents (OCHA,
30/11/2014).
Mines and ERW
Around five million people in Myanmar live in mine-contaminated areas (Mines Advisory
Group, 05//10214). Mine clearance has not begun in Kayah state, despite a ceasefire since
2012, and around 15–20 people are injured annually, although the number of fatalities is
unknown. More than 34,000 IDPs are at greatest risk due to their being in unfamiliar areas.
An assessment in Kachin and Northern Shan states concluded that the majority of reported
landmine victims over the second half of 2014 were male farmers, and 56% were displaced
people. Myths and wrong beliefs about mine risks persist. Most of the accidents registered
happened while people were travelling on foot to areas they visit often, such as fields.
More than 25% of landmine victims knew the area was dangerous before entering it
(UNICEF, 30/11/2014).
On 18 October, a landmine exploded outside a school in Kachin state, injuring three
people, including two young students (local media, 20/10/2014).
According to local media, citing intelligence reports by the Bangladeshi border security
forces, Myanmar security forces have planted mines along the border between Myanmar
and Bangladesh (local media, 23/11/2014). Myanmar has previously denied this practice,
while Bangladesh has claimed to have found and removed mines in the border area.
Updated: 22 /01/2014
PAKISTAN CONFLICT, FLOODS, DISPLACEMENT, EARTHQUAKE
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
21 January: Three Islamic State (IS) recruiters were arrested in Lahore, raising fears of
an IS infiltration in the region (Le Monde).
- Drought in Tharparkar in Sindh affected nearly 1.74 million people (259,946 families) in
2014 and killed 650, mostly children. 3,800 livestock have died (USAID, 04/12/2014;
Inter Press Service, 03/01/2015).
OVERVIEW
Priority humanitarian needs are health, nutrition, and food assistance. The security
situation remains volatile due to militant attacks in urban centres and military operations
against the Taliban in the tribal areas.
Political Context
Opposition protests for a probe into allegations of vote rigging by Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif have been taking place in Pakistan since mid-August, led by Imran Khan’s Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT). There are signs
that the military has been exploiting these protests as a means of re-asserting its
dominance over civilian authorities (AFP, 10/12/2014).
Security Context
Violence in Pakistan in 2014 involved military operations in tribal areas but also armed
group attacks in urban areas and in Balochistan, and tensions along the Pakistan–India
border. 1,781 civilians were killed in terrorist violence in Pakistan in 2014, compared to
3,001 in 2013 (SATP, 01/01/2015). Both militant and security sources have stated that a
ceasefire that had expired in April was used by the Taliban to preserve militant bases, and
on 10 June, the Taliban vowed to start all-out war.
On 21 January Three Islamic State (IS) recruiters arrested in Lahore, raising fears of
an IS infiltration in the region (Le Monde, 21/01/2015). In early September, a new
branch of Al Qaeda was announced. Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent will cover
Myanmar and Bangladesh, the Indian states of Assam and Gujarat, and the disputed
territory of Kashmir (Financial Times, 03/09/2014).
Security in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Government launched operation Zarb-e-Azb against armed groups in North Waziristan
Agency on 15 June, after the Taliban’s declaration of war and attack on Karachi airport. A
second operation, Khyber 1, began on 18 October in Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency.
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At 1 December, the army had reportedly killed more than 1,400 militants and 95 soldiers
had died (Al Jazeera, 01/12/2014). A bomb targeting Shi’ite Muslims in Orakzai Agency
killed four and injured eight on 4 January; militants set fire to two primary schools in
Kurram Agency on 30 December, causing severe damage (AFP, 04/01/2015; 30/12/2014).
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 141 people were killed, including 132 children, at an army-run
school in Peshawar on 16 December in the Pakistan Taliban’s deadliest attack to date, in
retaliation for the Government operation in FATA (BBC News, 17/12/2014).
Many people who fled NWA went to Bannu, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In November, a
roadside bomb in Bannu exploded near a military vehicle, killing a soldier and wounding
another (AFP, 11/11/2014).
Balochistan
The United Baloch Front (UBF) has opposed the alleged annexation of Balochistan since
1948. 2014 saw a sharp rise in acts of violence. Attacks by Islamist armed groups are
also a problem in the state.
Two people were killed and four injured in three separate incidents in Quetta on 8 January
(DAWN, 08/01/2015). Nine people, including four officials, were kidnapped by militants in
Zhob district over 4–5 January (DAWN, 05/01/2015). One person was killed and 27 injured
in two blasts in Quetta on 5 January and 21 December (DAWN, 05/01/2015; 24/12/2014).
Tensions along the Pakistan–India border
Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire along the Line of Control on 5 January, killing
four near Sialkot. Tensions escalated on 31 December, when an Indian border guard and
two Pakistani paramilitary soldiers were killed during exchanges of fire (AFP, 05/01/2014).
Security Incidents Involving Aid Workers
By November, 79 aid workers, including 36 police escorts and 21 polio workers, had been
attacked in 2014 in 71 incidents, 51 of which were linked to polio (OCHA, 30/11/2014). The
highest number of incidents occurred in KP, FATA and Sindh (OCHA, 31/08/2014). In
2013, 155 aid workers were killed, 171 seriously wounded, and 134 kidnapped – a 66%
increase on 2012 (OCHA, 19/08/2014).
Disasters
Floods
Monsoon rains and floods in October affected more than 2.53 million people, caused 367
deaths, and injured 673 people in Punjab, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. More than
107,000 houses had been damaged and 971,000 hectares of cropped areas affected.
As of end November, some 137,400 people (20,505 families) remained vulnerable across
Punjab and Azad Kashmir. They lacked access to food, NFIs, shelter, WASH, health, and
livelihood opportunities (ACT, 26/11/2014). Recovery needs were most important in Jhang,
Muzaffargarh, Multan, and Hafizabad districts in Punjab and Haveli, Poonch, and Sudhnuti
in Azad Kashmir (Government, 11/11/2014).
Over the past three years, the monsoon region has shifted 100km west. As a result, heavy
and unpredicted rainfall has occurred in Pakistan, especially in KP, causing massive
destruction (Government, 20/08/2014). Short, intense rainfall is becoming common during
Pakistan’s monsoon seasons and undermining underground water resources (Trust,
04/11/2014).
Drought
In November, 55 were killed and 120 wounded by a suicide bombing at the main Pakistan
–India border crossing near Lahore. The attack was claimed by several factions within the
TTP (AFP, 02/11/2014). Mortar shelling killed three and injured one (AFP, 05/11/2014).
Drought conditions in Tharparkar in Sindh affected nearly 1.74 million people (259,946
families) in 2014 and killed 650, mostly children. 3,814 livestock have died (USAID,
04/12/2014; Inter Press Service, 03/01/2015).
Other Incidents
Dadu, Jamshoro, and Thatta districts were classified as calamity-hit areas in October
(USAID, 27/11/2014). Anticipated needs are supplementary nutrition feeding, droughttolerant agriculture inputs, animal fodder, available water management and building of
water reservoirs (USAID, 29/10/2014).
A suicide blast in Rawalpindi in Punjab injured three on 20 January (DAWN,
21/01/2015). A Taliban attack targeting a Shi’ite mosque in Rawalpindi killed seven people
and wounded another 15 on 9 January (AFP, 09/01/2015).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Displacement
IDPs
Access
Humanitarian actors reported serious funding constraints on assistance to IDPs, with
shortfalls likely in access to health, food, nutrition, education, and child protection (OCHA,
15/12/2014).
Access in Balochistan remains challenging due to hostilities between the Government and
militants, separatist movements, and sectarian violence (ECHO, 20/10/2014).
At 22 January, there were nearly 2.02 million IDPs (301,078 families) in FATA,
including 103,356 families in Khyber, 91,606 in North Waziristan, 64,578 in South
Waziristan, 21,248 in Orakzai and 19,730 in Kurram (Government, 22/01/2015).
The repatriation of IDPs from North Waziristan is scheduled to start on 15 February;
the process is expected to be completed by the end of 2015 (DAWN, 21/01/2015).
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At end November, 2,543 families in Jalozai camp in Peshawar needed shelter, WASH,
health, and protection support; 300 off-camp families in Peshawar, Hangu, and Kohat
needed shelter support, information on registration and services, winterised kits,
education, and enhanced protection mechanisms (Protection Cluster, 25/11/2014).
Refugees in Pakistan
At end December, 1.5 million Afghan refugees were in Pakistan, mostly in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa (UNHCR, 29/12/2014). Approximately one-third live in refugee villages, and
two-thirds in urban and rural host communities; the exact number is difficult to ascertain
(UNHCR, 1/11/2014).
Returnees
As of 20 October, nearly 59,200 IDPs (8,837 families) had returned to their place of origin
in 2014, including 27,780 to Kurram Agency and 31,425 to KP. In total, 165,603 families
had returned to FATA between 2010 and 2014 (UNHCR, 20/10/2014). Many families in
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are not intending to return due to houses destroyed, insecurity, and
lack of health services; information regarding the return process is also lacking (Protection
Cluster, 12/2014).
services. The influx of IDPs has severely strained health facilities and the lack of medical 97
staff to provide care for displaced women is a critical challenge (UN Population Fund,
03/10/2014).
Diarrhoea
At 22 November, over 2.7 million cases of acute diarrhoea had been reported in 2014, and
48,786 cases of bloody diarrhoea (Government, WHO, 26/11/2014). 150,000 cases of
diarrhoea, including 15 deaths, have been reported in Sindh, highlighting a lack of clean
water and sanitation facilities (DAWN, 12/01/2015).
Polio
The first polio case of 2015 was reported on 17 January, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(DAWN, 18/01/2015).
297 wild polio cases were reported in 2014 in Pakistan, from FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,
Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab; the previous peak was 199 cases in 2000 (Global Polio
Eradication Initiative, 15/01/2015; DAWN, 01/01/2015).
A vaccination campaign could not be launched in four northern districts of
Balochistan on 19 January due to security threats (DAWN, 19/01/2015).
Pakistani Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
Nutrition
At 8 January, nearly 283,590 refugees (39,494 families) from Pakistan had arrived in
Afghanistan’s Khost and Paktika provinces since mid-June and needed humanitarian
assistance (UNHCR, 08/01/2015).
Food Security
1.16 million people need food assistance (OCHA, 25/11/2014). Economic access to food
continues to be the main limitation to household food security. 12 districts and agencies
are in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food security and 35 districts in Crisis (IPC Phase 3).
Populations displaced from FATA continue to be vulnerable to acute food insecurity,
particularly with the new influxes from North Waziristan and Khyber Agency (WFP,
31/12/2014). Most conflict-related IDPs rely on negative coping mechanisms and need
food and NFI support (ECHO, 20/10/2014).
Tharparkar and parts of Umerkot, Sanghar, Khairpur, Sukkur and Ghotki districts in Sindh
are in Emergency food insecurity (IPC Phase 4) due to prolonged drought conditions
(USAID, 04/11/2014). Populations away from irrigated agricultural land are expected to
face difficult conditions in the months ahead (WFP, 09/12/2014).
Increasing demand for food and NFIs has resulted in massive inflation: nominal oil prices
increased increased 8%, and sugar prices 9% between July and September, following the
trend of previous quarters (WFP, 27/10/2014).
Health and Nutrition
1.21 million people are in need of basic health and quality maternal and child health
services. The influx of IDPs has severely strained health facilities and the lack of medical
An estimated 2.86 million children and pregnant and breastfeeding women are
undernourished in Pakistan (OCHA, 25/11/2014). In Sindh, 1.1 million children under five
are acutely malnourished; 400,000 of them are suffering from SAM (ECHO, 20/10/2014).
In the remote Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir, an estimated 21% of children are acutely
malnourished, well above the national average of 15%, which is already at the emergency
threshold (WFP, 12/2013). In Balochistan, maternal mortality rates have been increasing
due to malnourishment and anaemia (DAWN, 29/11/2014).
WASH
1.1 million people are in need of WASH (OCHA, 25/11/2014). An estimated 690,000 people
– largely IDPs and returnees in KP and FATA – urgently need assistance in accessing
safe drinking water. 186,000 IDPs do not have access to safe drinking water, more than
128,000 remain in need of improved sanitation facilities, and approximately 256,000 people
require critical hygiene services (USAID, 04/10/2014).
Shelter and NFIs
Inadequate shelter services, overcrowding, harsh weather conditions, and high rental
charges are key challenges for displaced families (OCHA, 15/08/2014). 50% of the
population in Tirah valley in FATA has been living in makeshift shelters after having been
displaced in 2013 (IOM, 14/11/2014).
960,000 displaced people are in need of shelter, including 85,637 IDP families off-camp
and 6,500 in-camp in urgent need of winterised items (OCHA, 25/11/2014).
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Education
450,000 children are in need of education. Educational supplies are a major gap in
education response, such as school tents, stationery, and other teaching and learning
materials. (OCHA, 25/11/2014).
At least 86,000 students from government schools in NWA have been affected by military
operations. The number of students enrolled in private schools is unknown. Many
educational institutions have been occupied by military or security forces (DAWN,
15/07/2014).
The majority of school-aged Afghan refugees in camps in Pakistan are unable to attend
school after sixth grade due to lack of means to attend private schools (Inter Press
Service, 22/12/2014).
Protection
An estimated 1.08 million people are in need of protection. This group largely consists of
IDPs and returnees in KP and FATA. Women, children, the disabled, and the elderly need
referral assistance and specialised protection in displacement and returnee areas (OCHA,
20/02/2014).
SGBV
421 incidents of violence involving 534 women and girls were reported in Karachi province
during the third quarter of the year (DAWN, 11/10/2014).
In areas where the Taliban is active, over 500 girls’ schools have been bombed. In the
south and southwest of the country, ethnic violence continues to curtail women’s freedom
of movement.
Updated: 22/01/2015
INDIA INTERNAL UNREST, FLOODS
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
22 January: A landslide in Phuktal River in the Ladakh Region of Jammu and Kashmir
has resulted in the formation of an artificial lake near the village of Shaday Sumdo.
Evacuation of communities downstream from the lake is currently being planned
(ECHO).
KEY CONCERNS
- Landslides and floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains in Jammu and Kashmir have
left 281 dead. 1,949,790 people have been affected and 67,934 left homeless (Times of
India, 30/09/2014).
- Cyclone HudHud affected 920,000 people in October (IFRC, ECDM).
- Floods in Assam and Meghalaya in September and October displaced 164,000 and
caused extensive damage. Up to 1.2 million people may have been affected (IFRC).
Political Context
Kashmir is a disputed between the Government of India, the Government of Pakistan and
Kashmiri insurgent groups, who since the Indo-Pakistan War have fought over control of
the area. Pakistan controls the northwest portion, India controls the central and southern
portion and Ladakh, and China controls the northeastern portion (Aksai Chin and TransKarakoram Tract). Although thousands have died as a result of this conflict, the situation
has become less deadly in recent years. UNHCR-supported elections in 2008 resulted in
the creation of a pro-India Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, which has now
formed a state government.
Security Context
On 23 December, the Songbijit faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland
(NDBF), a separatist group seeking to obtain a sovereign Bodoland in Assam, led an
attack that killed 75 people, most of them Adivasis, 18 of them children, in Kokrajhar and
Sonitpur districts (Times of India, 23/12/2014; AFP, 25/12/2014). Troops were deployed as
residents launched retaliatory attacks on Bodo settlements. More than 2,000 people fled
their homes, finding shelter in makeshift camps set up by the state government. The
worse-affected districts were Kokrajhar, Chirang, and Sonitpur, while Bongaigaon, Baksa
and Udalguri were also affected (Sphere India, 28/12/2014). On 28 December, the
Government reported that the situation was returning to normal, as curfews were lifted, and
some of the displaced made their way back home (Government, 28/12/2014). As 4
January, 1,272 people remain displaced in Kumar Gram relief camps, in Alipurduar district,
in West Bengal (Sphere India, 04/01/2015).
An IED explosion in the northeastern state of Manipur, which borders Myanmar, killed
three people and injured four on 21 December. On 15 December, a similar explosion killed
one person and injured five others (AFP, 21/12/2014). No group has claimed responsibility
for the attacks.
Kashmir
On 3 January, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire along the border, killing four
people (AFP, 03/01/2015). Local media reported more than 10,000 villagers displaced in
Samba and Kathua Districts in Jammu and Kashmir, finding refuge in camps in Hariachak,
Hiranagar, Plat, Kanha, Baniyari and Chadwal (Times of India, 07/01/2014). On 27
November, an army patrol was attacked near the border in the town of Arnia, leaving seven
dead, including four civilians (AFP, 27/11/2014). As of 8 October, cross-border fire that
began in August had claimed 12 lives in India, most of them civilians, and displaced
thousands (AFP, 08/10/2014). Further firing was reported at the end of the month (AFP,
29/10/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Disasters
Evacuation of communities downstream from the lake is currently being planned
ECHO, 22/01/2015).
Cold Wave
Access
According to the State Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre, 117 people had died in
Uttar Pradesh as of 29 December due to a cold wave and snowfall (Times of India, 18,
25,29/12/2014).
Late September, around 10–15 villages were still inaccessible in Assam and Meghalaya,
including Lilehar, Goripura, and Bandarpore (Caritas India, 25/09/2014).
Food Security
Cyclone HudHud
Severe cyclonic storm HudHud made landfall on 12 October on India’s east coast, around
the city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Hudhud affected north coastal Andhra
Pradesh, south Odisha, and Chattisgarrh (IFRC, ECDM, 13/10/2014). As of 20 October,
the cyclone had left 45 dead and 135,000 people were in 223 relief camps (OCHA,
20/10/2014). 920,000 people have been affected. 41,200 houses and buildings were
damaged, and about 180,000 hectares of agricultural land was inundated. (OCHA,
20/10/2014). This has been the most costly cyclone to have hit India, with total damage
estimated at between USD 9.7 and 11 billion (OCHA, 20/10/2014).
With seasonal snowfall expected soon, displaced and affected populations are facing a
precarious food security situation. Although the Jammu and Kashmir state governments
have promised six months of free food to those affected, but populations in remote areas
or with access difficulties had not received food aid as of mid-November (Reuters,
17/11/2014).
Delayed and erratic monsoon rains are expected to reduce 2014 kharif (monsoon) cereal
production. Additionally, floods and high food prices in some markets are affecting the food
security situation for poor households (FAO, 31/10/2014).
Floods in Assam and Meghalaya
Updated: 22/01/2015
Over 20 September–7 October, flash floods and landslides killed up to 95 people. Over
164,000 people were displaced to 227 camps and temporary shelters; 130,000 houses
were destroyed and over 87,000 hectares of crops damaged (OCHA, 07/10/2014, Islamic
Relief, 28/10/2014). Experts calculate that about 1.2 million people might have been
affected by the flooding (Islamic Relief, 28/10/2014).
JORDAN DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
No significant developments this week, 22/01/2015. Last update: 07/01/2015.
Floods in Jammu and Kashmir
1,949,790 people were directly affected by flooding in September, including 543,379
displaced, 67,934 left homeless and 110,000 evacuated (Caritas India, 25/09/2014). On 4
October, Pakistani authorities barred actors from delivering goods intended for flood
victims in India-administered Kashmir (AFP, 04/10/2014). This is the worst natural disaster
in 100 years in the area, killing 284 people.
KEY CONCERNS
As of 10 November, the most affected areas are Rajouri, Shopia, Anantnag, Poonch,
Pulwana, Kulgam and Srinagar (IO, 10/11/2014). Around 137 camps in the Kashmir valley
were assisting over 100,000 people (OCHA, 15/09/2014). Major parts of Srinagar were
completely submerged; the floods swept away the houses of more than 30% of the
population living along the river’s path. (IFRC, 08/09/2014; SEEDS 08/09/2014). As of midDecember, local and international humanitarian actors were working on repairing houses,
interim education support, temporary shelters, health services, capacity-building of local
agencies for disaster preparedness, etc. Winter is threatening the status of the affected
population (Sphere India, 12/12/2014).
- Syrians continue to face increasing difficulty accessing Jordan. Official border points
have closed or become inaccessible, and entry restrictions have increased (RRP6,
2014-2015).
- 1.4 million Syrian refugees, including 622,397 since the Syrian crisis (UNHCR,
13/01/2015; JRP, 04/12/2014). Another 100,000–200,000 may be unregistered (PI,
12/11/2014).
- Since early 2014, a more rigorous approach to the encampment policy of Syrian
refugees has reportedly been implemented (PI, 08/01/2014).
- An estimated 43,000 Iraqi refugees are registered with UNHCR (UNHCR, 01/2015).
Political Context
Landslides
A landslide in Phuktal River in the Ladakh Region of Jammu and Kashmir has
resulted in the formation of an artificial lake near the village of Shaday Sumdo.
Jordan has remained politically stable despite spiralling crises in neighbouring Iraq and
Syria and fears of infiltration by extremist groups, particularly Islamic State (IS). These
concerns have increased since Jordan joined the US-led airstrikes against IS in late
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September. Jordan has a substantial home-grown extremist movement, and thousands of
Jordanians are reportedly fighting for opposition groups with links to Al Qaeda, particularly
Jabhat al Nusra (JAN), as well as IS, despite the military’s tight control of cross-border
movements (NYT, 12/04/2014).
In addition, the country is home to several prominent extremist religious leaders of an older
generation, who were linked to Al Qaeda ideology and generally support JAN (Al Jazeera,
07/07/2014). Jordanian protestors have occasionally praised IS or used its slogans during
protests about local grievances, including economic issues and police violence, but there
is debate over whether the group has substantial support in Jordan (AL Jazeera,
05/07/2014).
The Government has recently cracked down on fighters returning from Syria, and on
anyone expressing support for IS, and arrests have increased – though some members of
the domestic opposition say the crackdown is being used to stifle local dissent (Al
Jazeera, 07/07/2014). Jordan has also increased pressure on the Muslim Brotherhood,
arresting one of its prominent leaders in November for harming Jordan’s relations with a
friendly state (Jordan Times, 22/11/2014).
In 2011 and 2012, Jordan had an active movement calling for reform—mostly economic
relief and an end to political corruption—with street protests primarily led by the Muslim
Brotherhood. In 2013, the Government implemented a programme of political reform, which
helped calm protest movements. Many analysts have warned the reforms are cosmetic,
but public worries about potential unrest are likely to stifle dissent in the short to medium
term (CS Monitor, 2013).
Social tensions between refugees and host communities are a concern, primarily due to a
sense of competition over housing and jobs, and, to some extent, international assistance
(Mercy Corps, 12/2014). There have been few notable incidents, but refugees report
widespread discrimination and harassment, and some localised protests have taken place
among host communities (The Guardian, 01/12/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
The influx of Syrian refugees has placed significant additional stress on Jordan’s alreadystrained public services. Public health and education services, which Syrians can access,
are particularly affected, and water infrastructure, waste collection, and the cost to the
national budget of subsidised goods are also significant issues (Government, 12/2014).
Access
International NGOs working in Jordan are required to get all projects approved by the
Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC), and frustration persists among
NGOs about the lengthy approval process, and lack of clear guidelines. MoPIC also
informally requires all aid agencies assisting Syrians to include vulnerable Jordanians as
30% of their beneficiaries, and some NGOs have faced pressure to increase the proportion
of Jordanians to 50% (PI, 06/2014).
Tension between humanitarian agencies and the Government may increase, as the Jordan
Response Plan (JRP) 2015–16 attempts to channel the bulk of international assistance to
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Syrians through Jordanian government institutions, rather than directly to humanitarian
actors (JRP, 12/2014).
In 2014, the Government took several measures that will impact refugees’ access to
assistance, and which bring up a number of protection concerns.
Displacement
Jordan has hosted numerous waves of refugees throughout its history, including major
influxes of Palestinians in 1948 and 1967, and more than 100,000 Iraqis during the height
of the Iraq civil war.
Syrian Refugees
Jordan hosts the third largest number of Syrian refugees, after Lebanon and Turkey. As of
13 January, 622,397 Syrian refugees were registered with UNHCR in Jordan (UNHCR,
13/01/2015). Approximately 80% live in local communities, with the remainder in five
camps (UNICEF, 11/01/2015). Another 100,000–200,000 may be unregistered (PI,
12/11/2014).
Non-Syrian Refugees
As of 31 December, UNHCR had registered more than 43,000 Iraqis, and the GoJ
estimated there were some 58,000 in the country (PI, 07/01/2015, UNHCR, 01/2015). From
September 2014, a new surge in the registration of Iraqi refugees was reported, at times
as many as 100–150 each day, matching or exceeding the number of Syrian arrivals. The
majority of arrivals originate from Baghdad, although an increasing number are from IScontrolled areas of northern Iraq (UNHCR, 23/09/2014).
Nearly 2,500 refugees and asylum seekers from Sudan, Somalia, and other countries also
currently live in Jordan.
Refugees in Host Communities
Most of the 80% of Syrian refugees living outside camps are concentrated around the
major urban areas of the northwest, such as Amman and Irbid. Refugees are becoming
more vulnerable as their displacement continues. While 91% of refugees are renting
homes, over half live in substandard shelters, face rising rents, and many are
struggling to pay the bills. With an average expenditure 1.6 times greater than
income, refugees resort to a range of coping strategies, including spending savings,
living with other families, and taking children out of school. Almost half of assessed
households in a 2014 UNHCR report had no heating, a quarter had unreliable
electricity and 20% no functioning toilets (UNHCR, 14/01/2014).
In June 2014, REACH assessed 10,500 Syrians residing in 125 informal tented settlements
(ITS) across six governorates, nearly half in Mafraq. This is the third such assessment,
and the number of ITS has increased considerably; in Mafraq, the number of ITS increased
fourfold from Dec 2013 to June 2014, and the number of inhabitants more than doubled
(REACH, 02/10/2014)
Camps
Extreme winter weather since 7 January has damaged shelters in Za’atari camp in Mafraq,
forcing hundreds to stay in emergency shelters or with relatives. Electricity supply was
also disrupted (UNHCR, 09/01/2015). Za’atari camp is now one of the largest refugee
camps in the world, with about 80,000 residents. Recently, significant numbers of refugees
have been returning to the camp from urban areas, probably linked to the onset of cold
weather and cuts to food and health assistance in urban areas. Minor security incidents
persist, and there is a continued perception that the camp is a violent place, though safer
than a year ago (REACH, 04/11/2014; PI, 04/11/2014). Since the camp was established in
2012, at least 320,000 refugees have left it through both official and unofficial channels
(including returns to Syria).
As of 29 September, nearly 15,000 refugees were registered in Azraq camp in Zarqa
governorate. However, it is believed that only 8,000–9,000 remain there, due to the harsh,
hot, and windy climate, long distances to reach services, lack of electricity, and the
camp’s isolation from livelihood opportunities (UNHCR, 2014).
About 4,000 Syrians live in the Emirati-Jordanian Camp (EJC), which has high living
standards and extensive support, primarily from the UAE Red Crescent. However,
refugees have complained about limited freedom of movement in the camp (FT, 2014).
Palestinian Refugees from Syria (PRS)
UNRWA currently records 14,736 PRS who have approached the agency for support since
the start of the Syrian conflict (UNRWA, 03/12/2014). It is unclear if these cases represent
new arrivals, or simply people approaching UNRWA for the first time. 183 PRS, along with
a similar number of Syrians, are held in the Cyber City facility near Ramtha, a
government-appointed holding facility for Palestinian and Syrian refugees; this number has
dropped from 201 at the start of October (UNRWA, 18/11/2014, UNRWA, 28/10/2014,
UNRWA, 03/10/2014).
Since late 2012, the Government has explicitly stated that it would not allow PRS to enter
Jordan. Those who do enter are subject to a number of protection issues,
including refoulement, confiscation of documents and, for those with Jordanian citizenship,
de-nationalisation (HRW 05/2014, 04/07/2012). UNRWA reports 106 cases of PRS
deported in 2014, a 40% increase on 2013, but warns the actual number of deportations is
likely much higher (UNRWA, 03/12/2014).
Food Security
In October, WFP began to replace blanket food distribution with targeted distributions, and
cut assistance to 37,000 urban refugees (WFP, 11/11/2014, CFSME, 07/08/2014). Of more
than 6,400 appeals received so far, 847 have been approved, and 216 rejected (UNHCR,
13/01/2015)
In 2015, WFP plans to standardise the value of its food vouchers across host countries,
which will result in a small permanent reduction in the value to Jordanian beneficiaries –
from USD 33.60 to USD 28.00/person/month. For January, available funding only allows
WFP to distribute full-value vouchers to the roughly 90,000 refugees in camps, while the
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more than 400,000 in urban areas are receiving USD 18.20/person/month. Further funding
shortfalls are expected over the next two months (PI, 11/01/2015).
In June, 85% of refugees said they would be unable to meet the cost of basic needs
without WFP food aid, and 74% said it was their only source of income (CFSME,
07/08/2014). Large numbers also said they would have no choice but to return to Syria if
food assistance was cut (IRC, 05/12/2014, PI, 10/12/2014). It is reasonable to believe that
without food aid, a considerable proportion of refugees will resort to negative coping
strategies.
WASH
Water resources are scarce in Jordan; the Kingdom was already struggling to cope with
the demands of its growing population prior to the Syrian crisis. The 2013/14 rains were
only 77% of the long-term annual average, leading to a reduction in underground water
reserves and a marked increase in underground water salinity in some well fields. The
situation is expected to result in increased stress on existing water resources
(UNICEF/REACH, 31/04/2014).
While Jordan has an effective public water system, reports suggest these facilities are
under significant strain in areas with high concentrations of Syrians, resulting in shortages.
Municipal sewage and garbage removal services are also under stress (REACH,
12/11/2014, Jordan Times, 04/12/2014, UNDP, 2014). Two out of five Syrian refugees
live in poor sanitary conditions, especially people in informal shelters (UNHCR,
14/01/2015).
Health
Access to health services is expected to be a significant burden for the most vulnerable
Syrian refugees, as free access to health services at Ministry of Health facilities was
halted in November 2014. There are also concerns that pregnant Syrian women outside
camps do not have access to assistance during childbirth (UNFPA, 31/12/2014).
Education
There are roughly 220,000 Syrian school-aged children in Jordan. Preliminary records
indicate that more than 109,000 Syrian children are enrolled in public schools for the
2014/2015 school year, including 19,000 in Jordan’s three major camps (Inter-Agency
Regional Update, 05/12/2014). Government estimates plan for a total of 125,000 Syrian
refugee children in schools in 2015 (JRP, 2015-16).
Although refugees have been given the right to attend state schools, barriers to attendance
include distance, overcrowding that sometimes leads officials to prevent refugee children
from enrolling, violence in schools, and harassment and violence on the way to schools (in
both camps and urban areas) (IMC-UNICEF, 09/12/2014, REACH, 04/11/2014). A small
proportion of children are reported not to attend because they need to work to support their
families.
A study in Za’atari at the end of the 2013/2014 school year found that although attendance
had more than doubled since 2013, 48% of school-aged children in the camp were not
attending school, 38% were not attending any form of education, and 28% had never
attended any form of education in the camp (REACH, 04/11/2014). Boys aged 12–17 were
the least likely to attend, with only 33% in school, and 50% not attending any form of
education.
Protection
Entry restrictions
Over the course of the conflict, the average number of Syrians able to enter Jordan on a
daily basis has dropped from more than 1,700 in early 2013 to fewer than 33 in the last
quarter of 2014 (RRP6, 2014-2015 R1). The number and accessibility of entry points has
been limited, and entry restrictions have increased. For most of 2014, Syrians hoping to
enter have been required to travel to remote informal crossing-points in the eastern desert.
In the last three months of 2014, even those crossings were shut for long periods of time,
and refugees have been stranded, leading to protection concerns (IOM, 2014).
There is increasing evidence that the Government is allowing large numbers of refugees
into Jordanian territory, screening them, and then returning them to Syria. On multiple
occasions in the last quarter of 2014, there were reports that large numbers of refugees
had gathered in the no-man’s-land adjacent the last used border crossings, and were
inaccessible to UNHCR, though they did receive assistance from the ICRC (NYT,
20/11/2014; UNOSAT, 03/11/2014; UNOSAT/UNITAR, 01/10/2014; PI, 16/12/2014).
In October it was reported that 950 waiting Syrians had been allowed to enter Jordan and
taken to the Governments Raba’a Sarhan registration center; fewer than 180 appear to
have been transported to camps (PI, 12/10/2014, 09/10/2014, 18/12/2014, IOM, 01/1015/10/2014). On 12 December, some 1,300 Syrians were reported to be in no-man’s-land,
waiting to be allowed into Jordan, but only 650 Syrians were transported to camps in the
next week (NYT, 12/12/2014; PI, 16/12/2014; IOM, 5/12-19/12/2014). It is assumed that
they were returned to Syria, although the uncertainty in the reports is considerable, and it
is possible that they were allowed entry over a longer period, or that the estimates of the
original number were too high. Some reports indicate that large numbers of refugees have
been returned from Raba’a Sarhan on other occasions, and that this may be a regular
practice in Jordan (PI, 16/11/2014, 15/10/2014).
Jordanian officials continue to maintain that the border is open to refugees, and that Jordan
is simply instituting security measures to exclude people connected to “terrorist
organisations.” (Al Ghad, 14/12/2014, Jordan Times, 11/12/2014)
Reports suggesting that Syrians residing in Jordan are also being deported are denied by
the Government (HRW, 08/12/2014, 21/11/2014; PI 03/12/2014; Jordan Times, 11/12/2014)
Current information makes it impossible to estimate how many Syrians have been
deported from Jordan, or whether this number has changed over time. The most vulnerable
refugees likely include those without identity documents, or with forged documents; and
those who had previously returned to Syria, then re-entered Jordan (PI, 29/09/2014).
Evictions and Encampment
Since early 2014, the Government appears to be implementing a more rigorous approach
to its encampment policy of Syrian refugees.
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Refugees living in urban areas are required to obtain a service card from the Ministry of
Interior in order to access public health and education services, or register marriages,
births or deaths. GoJ has instructed humanitarian agencies not to provide assistance to
Syrians who do not have service cards issued by the Ministry of Interior. There is no sign
this decision has been enforced, but it creates a vulnerability for agencies (PI, 08/01/2014,
03/12/2014,).
Refugees who were brought to camps who wish to move to urban areas must obtain “bail”
from the government. However, large numbers of refugees have left the camps without
obtaining bail. While for years their presence in urban areas has been tolerated, there have
recently been reliable reports that Jordanian authorities have begun enforcing bail
regulations. Significant numbers of refugees are being forcibly returned to camps from
urban areas (NRC-IRC, 13/11/2014, PI, 03/12/2014, 12/11/2014). The Government has
also asked UNHCR not to issue asylum-seeker certificates to Syrians in urban areas who
left the camp after 14 July, and who did not obtain bail (PI 16/07/2014 R1, PI 07/2014 R1)
These requests are contributing to a climate of fear and may have a significant impact on
refugees’ ability to maintain regular status and access services.
In July, the Government dismantled several ITS, and forcibly relocated roughly 2,000
Syrian inhabitants, mostly to camps (REACH 02/10/2014). In December, more ITS were
dismantled, affecting more than 100 families. Some of the inhabitants were returned to
camps, with their bail now deemed invalid by the authorities (PI, 10/12/2014, Jordan
Times, 09/01/2015). “Sweeps” of the northern border area by Jordanian authorities
continued in the subsequent week, and Syrians discovered living in ITS were warned to
leave within 48 hours or face eviction (PI, 18/12/2014).
Women and Girls
The proportion of early marriages of Syrian girls (between 15 and 17 years of age) among
all registered Syrian marriages increased from 12% in 2011 to 25% in 2013. In the first
quarter of 2014, about 32% of all registered Syrian marriages were classified as early
marriages. Early marriage is perceived as a form of security among Syrian refugees, but
also as a way to circumnavigate government restrictions, such as the bailout rules in the
camps (which require a close relative for sponsorship).
Reviewed: 22/01/2015
PHILIPPINES CONFLICT, FLOODS, TYPHOON
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
17–19 January: Tropical Storm Mekkhala, localy known as Amang, crossed over the
Eastern Visayas and Bicol regions on 17 January. 21,000 people were evacuated, 150
houses were destroyed and two people died. By 19 January the storm had weakened
into a tropical depression (ECHO, Government).
KEY CONCERNS
- Over 26,000 people remain displaced ten months after Typhoon Haiyan struck and
more than two million lack adequate shelter or housing (FAO, 09/10/2014).
- Thousands of people who fled fighting in Zamboanga in September 2013 are still
displaced and being temporarily moved to the Masempla transition site, where minimum
standards for WASH and basic services are currently unmet (OCHA, 01/10/2014).
- The Philippines is one of the most hazard-prone countries in the world, experiencing
several large-scale natural hazards a year.
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reported in on Jolo Island in July and in Sulu, ARMM, in November (AFP, 16/11/2014). Abu
Sayyaf holds about 13 hostages, including three foreigners (AFP, 16/11/2014).
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)
BIFF split from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2008. Thousands have been
displaced by fighting between the Philippine army and BIFF in 2014 (IRIN, 22/07/2014;
OCHA). A number of BIFF attacks took place in Maguindanao and Cotabato between
September and November 2014, including an attack on a hospital in Maguindanao’s capital
Sharif Aguak in October (Missionary International Service News Agency, 23/10/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
OVERVIEW
A series of natural disasters, most significantly Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013, has
caused widespread damage across the Philippines and affected millions. The overall
political situation is relatively stable, and the Philippine authorities are finalising a peace
deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). However, various breakaway armed
groups continue the insurgency.
Political Context
Since October 2012, the Government has been engaged in finalising a lengthy peace
process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the country’s largest Muslim
separatist group. Draft legislation for the 2014 March Comprehensive Agreement on
Bangsamoro, which gives MILF, as a political group, rule over a new autonomous region,
replacing the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), was submitted to
Congress in September (AFP, 10/09/2014). The deal excludes important stakeholders,
including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Abu Sayyaf, and Khalifa
Islamiyah Mindanao.
The disarmament process for Philippine Muslim opposition groups started in September
2014, with the decommissioning of a first batch of firearms expected by end of 2014 (AFP,
28/09/2014).
Security Context
Splinter groups on Mindanao and smaller neighbouring islands continue their violent
opposition to the Government. Increased violence between the Government and opposition
groups has been reported in November as a consequence of government efforts to capture
outlaws.
Fighters from the separatist group Bangsmoro Islamic Freedom Fighters raided a camp in
Sultan Kudarat province on 3 January, killing one soldier and injuring three. The raids
aimed at sabotaging peace talks between MILF and the Government (AFP, 03/01/2015).
Abu Sayyaf
Abu Sayyaf has about 300 armed fighters, split into several factions. Incidents were
Access
Insecurity in parts of Mindanao and nearby areas is limiting humanitarian access.
Concurrent natural disasters have hampered further aid delivery to affected populations.
Disasters
Tropical Storm Mekkhala
Tropical Storm Mekkhala, localy known as Amang, crossed over the Eastern Visayas
and Bicol regions on 17 January (Government, 19/01/2015). It produced storm surge,
strong winds and heavy rainfall. 21,000 people were evacuated to 61 centres. Almost
150 houses were destroyed and two people died (ECHO, 19/01/2015). By 19 January
the storm had weakened into a tropical depression.
Tropical Storm Jangmi
Tropical Storm Jangmi, also known as Seniang, made landfall in Hinatuan on 29
December, affecting about 486,900 people across seven regions, killing 54 and injuring 40.
Around 77,400 people took refuge in 187 evacuation centres. 390 houses were destroyed
(OCHA, 05/01/2015).
Typhoon Hagupit
Category 5 Typhoon Hagupit, locally known as Ruby, made landfall on 6 December 2014
over the town of Dolores in Eastern Samar province (Eastern Philippines), (GDACS,
06/12/2014). 3.8 million people were affected across nine regions (WFP, 15/12/2014).
Around 38,100 houses were destroyed and 203,600 partially damaged (OCHA,
15/12/2014).
Tropical Depression Queenie
On 26 November, Tropical Depression Queenie made landfall (Government, 26/11/2014).
As of 30 November, 47,000 people were affected in Southern Tagalog, Western Visayas,
Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao and Caraga; 1,400 were in evacuation
centres. Almost 3,000 houses were severely damaged and 2,600 partially damaged
(OCHA, 01/12/2014).
Displacement
Zamboanga
As of January 2015, an estimated 35,000 people still remain displaced, including
around 20,000 who continue living in IDP camps. The rest are either in evacuation
centres or transitional sites. Additionally, 15,000 people are thought to be living with
host families (IDMC, 16/01/2015). 120,000 people were initially displaced.
Refugees International reported in mid-December that transit sites lack water, health,
education, and livelihood opportunities (Refugees International, 14/12/2014).
Typhoon Haiyan
Resettlement has begun for families in Tacloban still living in tents. Nearly 300 families
(1,500 people) have moved to relocation sites. A further 200 families living in tents in
Tanauan municipality are also being relocated (OCHA, 31/10/2014).
Ten months after typhoon Haiyan struck, more than two million people lack adequate
shelter or housing (FAO, 09/10/2014). Some 456,000 people live in unsafe or inadequate
emergency or makeshift shelters, sometimes in flood-prone coastal areas (Government,
31/08/2014), and solutions are needed for 20,000 people still living in 56 displacement sites
and requiring shelter, WASH and protection support (UNHCR, 07/11/2014).
With 89% of affected households still reporting varying levels of typhoon-related damage,
longer-term assistance such as supporting self-recovery, assisting households in no-build
zones, helping with safer reconstruction, and enabling access to health care, schools,
public transportation, and livelihood opportunities is required (UNHCR, 30/09/2014).
Bohol earthquake
In Bohol, extensive shelter needs and repair of health and school facilities are required
following the October 2013 earthquake (IFRC, 13/10/2014). 885 transitional shelters are
housing the displaced (UNICEF, 10/10/2014).
Food Security
High prices of main staple rice lead to food security concerns. A 4.7% increase on the
September 2013 Consumer Price Index was witnessed in September (FAO, 10/10/14).
As of July, flooding had affected 45% of the planted area in Maguindanao, affecting over
5,000 farmers (OCHA, 07/07/2014). Agriculture, fisheries, and agricultural infrastructure
were affected by July’s Typhoon Rammasun.
Health and Nutrition
Measles
By October, 117 cases of measles had been confirmed, mostly in Benguet, Baguio and
Kalinga provinces, compared to 60 during the same period last year, with a reported death
in Baguio city in Benguet province (Government, 20/10/2014).
104
WASH
26% of the population (25 million people) lacks access to improved sanitation facilities,
including 8% still practicing open defecation (UNICEF, 01/05/2014).
Education
Ten attacks on schools in Mindanao were reported in 2014, affecting over 3,500 school
children (UNICEF, 10/10/2014).
Protection
BIFF continues to actively recruit and train child soldiers.
Updated: 21/01/2015
SRI LANKA INTERNAL UNREST, DROUGHT, FLOODS, FOOD INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
No new significant developments this week, 21/01/2015. Last Update: 13/01/2015.
KEY CONCERNS
- An estimated 770,000 people are food insecure due to consecutive droughts and floods
(WFP, 01/10/2014).
Political Context
Presidential elections were held on 8 January 2015, two years ahead of schedule (ICG,
09/12/2014). After a decade in power, Mahinda Rajapaksa was defeated by Maithripala
Sirisena by a very small margin. Rajapaksa denied rumours that he attempted to use
military power to influence the election results, and accepted defeat (AFP, 13/01/2015).
On 12 January, Sirisena announced a 100-day reform plan that would end with
parliamentary elections in late April (AFP, 12/01/2015).
Security Context
There was a surge in violence during the campaigning period, including at least 237 major
incidents of assault, intimidation or damage to property (Amnesty 06/01/2015). On 5
January, on the last day of campaigning, three opposition supporters were shot at an
opposition rally in the southern town of Kahawatte. One was killed and two were wounded
(Al Jazeera, 06/01/2015; AFP, 07/01/2015).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
105
Displacement
(Local Media, 20/12/2014).
IDPs
4,970 people affected by floods in October were still in evacuation centres at the time of
the latest flooding (Government, 20/12/2014).
Government statistics compiled by UNHCR show 820,882 people are estimated to be
displaced as of early 2014, living with host families (GIEWS, 04/11/2014). These are
attributed to protracted displacement since the violence of 2009; people who cannot return
owing to housing, land, or property issues (UNHCR).
Refugees
As of 30 June, there were 308 refugees and 1,562 asylum seekers in Sri Lanka, a 700%
increase on 2013 numbers.
On 15 August a Sri Lankan court ordered authorities to stop deporting Pakistani asylum
seekers without properly assessing their claims (Reuters, 15/10/2014.
Since early June, national authorities have arrested and detained 328 refugees and
asylum-seekers, and deported 183 to Pakistan and Afghanistan (UNHCR, 12/09/2014).
Some 157 asylum seekers, including 84 Pakistanis, 71 Afghans, and two Iranians, remain
in detention. UNHCR has requested that the Government stop deportations immediately
and grant access to asylum seekers in detention to enable protection assistance (UNHCR
12/08/2014).
Disasters
Drought
The 11-month drought following the delayed December–February northeast monsoon maha
has affected more than 1.2 million people across 13 districts in six provinces, including
900,000 people in the Northern and Eastern provinces, regions that are generally poor,
dependent on agriculture, and lack strong coping mechanisms or infrastructure to
withstand the impact of natural disasters (Inter Press Service, 29/09/2014; Government,
21/10/2014; 29/08/2014). Families are suffering from shortages of water for domestic and
agricultural use in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Puttalam, Mannar, Vavuniya,
Moneragala, Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Killinochchi, Jaffna, Kurunegala, and
Ampara districts.
The southwest monsoon rains, from May to September, have also been below average
(Economic Times, 30/06/2014).
Food Security
770,000 drought-affected people are food insecure (WFP, 01/10/2014), mainly in Ampara
and Moneragala in the east (WFP, 04/2014 and FAO, 05/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
Floods
Severe flooding started on 19 December, caused by heavy rains and high winds, affecting
22 out of 25 districts. Central, North Central, Uva, and Eastern provinces are worst
affected (ECHO 30/12/2014). Rains began to abate around the end of December, and the
situation is gradually being normalised. People have begun returning home (OCHA,
05/01/2014).
According to the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre (DMC), fewer than 100,000
people were affected as of 6 January and 5,700 were in evacuation centres (DMC,
06/01/2015). 18,700 people were affected in Central province, almost 70,000 in NorthCentral, and 6,100 in Uva (DMC, 06/01/2015). This came after a OCHA report on 5
January stating that 1.1 million people were affected, and 30,000 people were hosted in
230 evacuation centres (OCHA, 05/01/2014). Differences in numbers may be due to
differing definitions of ‘affected’. As of 2 January 39 people had been killed (ECHO,
02/01/2015).
3,000 hectares of farmland have been severely damaged and 25,000 hectares partially
damaged as of 7 January (Department of Irrigation, 07/01/2015). 660 houses have been
severely damaged and over 3,500 houses partially damaged (Government, 06/01/2014).
On 21 December, the Government opened sluice gates in the affected provinces, as
hundreds of water reservoirs (300 in Anuradhapura district alone) had exceeded their
danger levels (ECHO, 22/12/2014). Opening the sluice gates aggravated the inundation
Overall, crop production has decreased by 42% compared to 2013 (Government,
05/08/2014). Aggregate rice production dropped by 22% compared to 2013, and was 12%
below the previous five-year average (FAO, 02/10/2014). The 2014 yala rice output,
accounting for 35% of annual production, was 30% lower than last year’s, due to a 29%
contraction in area planted and dry weather at the start of the cropping season, particularly
in key north-central and eastern producing areas. About one-third of the paddy harvest was
also lost by drought conditions in the country (WFP, 01/10/2014).
Rice prices have increased by 33% compared to 2013, due to the sharp contraction in this
year’s production. Fresh fish and vegetable prices have also risen as a consequence of
adverse weather (WFP, 14/10/2014; FAO, 02/10/2014).
Updated: 21/01/2015
DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA FLOODS, FOOD
INSECURITY, EPIDEMIC
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
No significant developments this week 16/01/2015. Last update: 30/11/2014
No current data on child mortality, food security, food price levels, or the general
magnitude of humanitarian needs is available. Therefore, DPRK is not included in the
106
Global Overview prioritisation.
unrestricted access to prisons and prison camps for humanitarian organisations, and close
collaboration with humanitarian organisations to ensure the transparent distribution of aid.
KEY CONCERNS
Food Security
- Massive human rights infringements, including against prisoners in prison camps who
face starvation and torture, continue to be reported. Humanitarian access remains
extremely limited (UN).
Information on food security remains limited. An estimated 16 million people, of a total
population of 24.6 million, are chronically food insecure. An estimated 2.4 million people
need food assistance (OCHA, 11/09/2014).
- Information on the food security situation remains limited. As of August, an estimated
16 million people (almost 65% of DPRK’s population) are chronically food insecure and
an estimated 2.4 million people need food assistance (OCHA).
- As of August, malnutrition rates, particularly in the northwest, were extremely high with
global chronic malnutrition (stunting) at almost 28% and global acute malnutrition
(wasting) at 4% among children under five (OCHA).
- DPRK is disaster prone, regularly experiencing seasonal flooding that, for instance,
affected over 800,000 people in summer 2013 (OCHA).
Political Context
On 18 November, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution condemning DPRK for
human rights abuses and recommending the prosecution of its leaders for crimes against
humanity at the International Criminal Court (international media, 19/11/2014). In response,
DPRK threatened to conduct a nuclear test (BBC, 20/11/2014).
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had urged world powers to refer DPRK to
the International Criminal Court in February; a UN report documented evidence of
widespread and systematic human rights violations and crimes against humanity and
recommended targeted UN sanctions. China dismissed a March resolution by the Human
Rights Council condemning DPRK for human rights violations as unfounded. DPRK
announced in August that would publish a human rights report to counters the claims in the
UN report (international media, 08/2014).
WFP reports that 45% of households have borderline and 30% poor food consumption.
People in central mountainous areas do not have access to sufficient food from the public
distribution centre and have to rely on planting risky hillside crops to supplement their daily
diet, despite poor seed quality, shallow soil, accelerated erosion, low yield expectations,
and the fact that most of the hillside cultivators do not necessarily have an agricultural
background (US State Department, 22/09/2014). Poor rainfall has been reported in parts of
the country (WFP, 10/2014).
OCHA reports that although the humanitarian situation has improved slightly since 2013,
the structural causes of vulnerability persist and external assistance is needed, notably in
the northeastern provinces. The food system in DPRK remains highly vulnerable to shocks
and serious shortages exist, particularly in the production of protein-rich crops.
Health and Nutrition
Malnutrition
Chronic child malnutrition and poor dietary diversity among children, women, and
households remain the main concern. Super cereal, biscuits, pulses and oil are needed to
supplement the poor dietary intake among target vulnerable groups (WFP 06/2014).
Reviewed: 16/01/2015
EUROPE
Security Context
DPRK–South Korea
On 12 February, Seoul and Pyongyang held their first high-level talks in seven years, in
the Panmunjom truce village. However relations subsequently deteriorated. In April, South
Korean officials said that DPRK had completed all steps required prior to a potential
nuclear test, as Pyongyang conducted a scheduled military exercise near the border.
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Access
Humanitarian access is extremely limited. On 1 May, the UN Human Rights Council’s
recommendations to the Government as part of the Universal Periodic Review included
UKRAINE CONFLICT, DISPLACEMENT
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
23 January: In areas under government control, stocks of drug supplies for HIV and TB
of patients will be finished by March 2015 (OCHA).
21 January: At least 5,086 people have been killed by the conflict, an increase of 200
since the beginning of January. 10,948 people have been wounded (UN).
KEY CONCERNS
- 5.2 million people in need of protection. Need for humanitarian aid is still important,
especially with winter ongoing (OCHA, 09/01/2015).
- Bureaucratic, security and financial restrictions are impeding response (OCHA,
26/12/2014). Getting in and out of the conflict zone is becoming more and more difficult
(MSF, 23/01/2015).
- The health sector has reported that the national pharmaceutical supply is “on the verge
of collapse” (OCHA, 24/10/2014). 1.37 million people are in need of healthcare, as they
are unable to purchase out-of-pocket health services (OCHA, 08/12/2014).
OVERVIEW
About 921,000 people have been displaced internally and over 600,000 externally, while
continued fighting and lack of transportation make it difficult for civilians to escape
contested areas. The affected populations, especially in the Donetsk and Luhansk
regions, are in most urgent need of shelter, healthcare and protection. There is a critical
need of winterised shelter. Medical supplies are lacking and health services are
extremely limited. Infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. The human rights
situation is deteriorating.
Political Context
On 23 December, the Ukrainian Parliament officially dropped its status of neutrality
towards NATO (international media, 24/12/2014).
As of 1 December, allocations from the state budget to areas controlled by the armed
groups have been halted, including for social payments (UN, 15/12/2014). On 15
November, Ukraine's President ordered the withdrawal of all state services from the
eastern regions held by armed groups, as well as the evacuation of state workers. Banking
services could also be withdrawn (international media, 15/11/2014).
Parliamentary elections were held on 26 October. Voters in Crimea and in eastern Luhansk
and Donetsk provinces – about five million of Ukraine's 36.5 million electorate – were
unable to vote, so 27 of 450 parliamentary seats are empty (AFP, 26/10/2014). On 2
November, opposition groups held elections, and Alexander Zakharchenko was announced
head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. Russia was the only state to
support the elections (AFP, 03/11/2014; international media, 03/11/2014).
Security Context
107
As of 21 January, at least 5,086 people had been killed in the conflict, an increase of
200 deaths since the beginning of January. 10,948 people had been wounded. An
average of 29 people are being killed per day, making 13–21 January the deadliest
period since the ceasefire declaration of 5 September. The death toll could be
significantly higher, according to the UN, since access to conflict-affected areas is
restricted (UN, 24/01/2015).
Armed groups control most of eastern Donetsk region and a small area of southern
Luhansk region (Government, 13/01/2015). Most of the fighting is in Donetsk and Luhansk
city (Government, 13/01/2015). Hostilities in have intensified since January. Tension is
again mounting after several days of rocket assaults on the port city of Mariupol left
30 dead and 95 injured (AFP, 25/01/2015). Fighting around Donetsk airport has causing at
least 41 casualties since 9 January (AFP, 09/01/2015; international media, 22/01/2015).
The airport is reported to have fallen under armed groups’ control (international media,
22/01/2015).
More than 100 Russian vehicles have crossed into Ukraine since October. Some were
presumably to deliver humanitarian assistance, some were identified as military trucks
(OSCE, 16/11/2014; 12/12/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
5.2 million people live in areas directly affected by the conflict and are in need of protection
(INGOs, 31/12/2014). An estimate 1.4 million people are highly vulnerable and in need of
humanitarian assistance (INGOs, 31/12/2014). Humanitarian needs are significant and
growing, and there is a serious lack of response capacity on the ground (OCHA,
14/11/2014; 28/11/2014).
Access
Obligatory permit controls have been introduced for anyone crossing the lines separating
opposition-controlled areas, in force as of 21 January (AFP, 06/11/2014). However, it is
unclear how to obtain a permit, which prevents the local population from accessing
humanitarian aid (OSCE, 11/01/2015; 14/01/2015). Getting in and out of the conflict
zone is becoming more difficult (MSF, 23/01/2015).
Security Constraints
The presence of humanitarian actors is increasing, but bureaucratic, security, and financial
restrictions are impeding response at the scale required (OCHA, 19/09/2014; 28/11/2014).
Armed groups have reportedly blocked aid entering territories controlled by the selfproclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (Amnesty International, 23/12/2014).
Checkpoints continue to hamper any increase in the provision of assistance across the
frontline (OCHA, 26/12/2014).
Logistical Constraints
108
The Government has decided to halt public transportation in areas controlled by armed
groups, hampering humanitarian access (OCHA, 09/01/2015). Months of conflict have
severely damaged Donetsk international airport (international media, 01/12/2014). Limited
rail transport to the region continues to impede humanitarian access (OCHA, 28/11/2014).
Since 26 December, train and bus connections to Crimea have been suspended (OCHA,
09/01/2015). International shipping has been prohibited from the ports of Evpatoria, Kerch,
Sevastopol, Theodosia, and Yalta, on the Crimea peninsula, since 15 July (GARD,
17/07/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
As of 21 January, about 921,640 IDPs had been registered in Ukraine since March; an
increase of almost 50,000 since 14 January (Ministry of Social Policy, 23/01/2015).
As of December, most of the IDPs were in Kharkiv and Donetsk region. 27% of IDPs are
children, 21% elderly or disabled, and 65% women (UNHCR, 05/12/2014).
IDPs in private accommodation constitute the majority of the displaced (90–95%) and are
often not supported by the humanitarian community (OCHA, 12/12/2014). The absorption
capacity within host communities has been weakening and tensions are rising (IOM,
22/10/2014).
Returnees
Back and forth movements continue to be reported in territory back under government
control (OCHA, 08/12/2014). Some IDPs are reportedly returning to conflict despite
insecurity due to exhausted coping mechanisms and rising rent prices (OCHA, 31/10/2014,
14/11/2014).
Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
As of 21 January, about 600,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries, around
500,000 of whom have crossed into Russia since the beginning of 2014 (OCHA,
23/01/2015). However, the UN and Russian authorities estimate that 875,000 Ukrainians
have actually fled to Russia as of end October. Little humanitarian assistance is provided
in Russia, despite signs of a long-term population shift (international media, 03/10/2014).
Since July, Russian authorities have prevented Ukrainians from obtaining refugee status in
several regions, including border areas and major cities such as Moscow. Most asylum
seekers have been unable to collect the required documents and access refugee status
(international organisation, 09/12/2014).
In addition, an estimated 19,000 people are estimated to be displaced within Crimea
(IDMC, 31/10/2014).
Food Security
1.1 million people are in need of food (OCHA, 08/12/2014). Eastern Ukraine’s food
reserves are fully depleted and infrastructure is partly destroyed (FAO, 14/11/2014). The
most pressing needs are in Zaporizhzhia region, Donestk region, and in Luhansk region
(WFP, 08/12/2014).
The price of the minimum food basket in Donetsk and Luhansk is higher than the national
average by 6.3% and 12.5%, respectively (WFP, 01/12/2014; OCHA, 08/12/2014). Lack of
cash and exhausted savings appear to be major issues in some of the areas where food is
available but buying capacity does not exist (WFP, 21/01/2015). Preliminary results from
the WFP food security assessment indicate that at least 20% of the population living in the
five regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia have limited
access to markets, due to increased food prices, disrupted transport systems, high
insecurity, remoteness and lack of hard currency. Negative household coping mechanisms
have been observed, with over 80% of interviewed households reported to be relying on
less-preferred and less-expensive food and missing one meal a day (OCHA, 08/12/2014).
Livelihoods
1.2 million people are in need of a livelihood (OCHA, 08/12/2014). Around 650,000
pensioners have not received any pensions since August (AFP, 28/11/2014). Many IDPs
can no longer afford to pay the rent (UNHCR, 17/10/2014). As of 10 October, nearly 40,000
small and medium businesses in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions have ceased activity
(OCHA, 10/10/2014). Unemployment is a key concern for IDPs (OCHA, 26/12/2014).
Industrial production had declined 60% in Donetsk region and 85% in Luhansk by
September (OCHA, 08/12/2014).
Health and Nutrition
The safety and security of health workers remains a major concern in conflict areas,
preventing access to emergency and primary health services in Shahtersk, Snizhne,
Yasinovataya (OCHA, 26/12/2014; 09/01/2015). Targeted attacks on ambulances have
been reported (OCHA, 17/10/2014).
There are concerns that civilians may have less access to inpatient healthcare than
military actors (OCHA, 31/10/2014).
1.37 million people are in need of healthcare, as they are unable to purchase out-of-pocket
health services (OCHA, 08/12/2014). The health sector has reported that the national
pharmaceutical supply is “on the verge of collapse” and prices of medicines are constantly
increasing (OCHA, 09/01/2015). Only 40% of required healthcare provision has been
funded in government-controlled areas (USAID, 25/11/2014). As of 31 October, only 25%
of required medication had been purchased (OHCHR, 15/11/2014). There are no extrabudgetary resources allocated for IDP health services, overstretching the health system in
areas of displacement (OCHA, 08/12/2014).
There are critical supply shortages and access to primary, secondary and emergency
health care services remains very limited for populations in Donetsk and Luhansk (WHO,
16/01/2015). Most urgent health needs are in Stanychno-Luhanskyi district of Luhansk
region, and Makiivka and Novoazovskyi districts of Donetsk region (WHO, 08/12/2014). At
least 45 hospitals in Donetsk and Luhansk regions have been destroyed or damaged
(OHCHR, 15/11/2014). Between 30% and 70% of health workers are no longer at their
posts (WHO, 16/01/2015). Conflict-affected areas are lacking about 20–30% of doctors, 20
–50% of nurses, and 50–70% of paramedics (OCHA, 14/11/2014; 09/01/2015). Only half
of ambulances in conflict areas are operational for lack of fuel (OCHA, 23/01/2015).
The average vaccination coverage in the country is well under 50% (WHO, 16/01/2015).
HIV/AIDS
Almost 60,000 HIV-infected patients are in urgent need of antiretroviral drugs; the current
stock of antiretroviral drugs is sufficient until December, and provision of health products
for HIV testing is critical (OHCHR, 15/11/2014; OCHA, 10/10/2014). However, insecurity is
obstructing the delivery of supplies (UNICEF, 14/11/2014).
Opiod Substitution Treatment (OST)
Restrictions on the delivery of narcotic drugs since December 2014 for people
undergoing OST in Donetsk and Luhansk regions has resulted in
discontinuation of treatment for more than 300 of the 899 patients who reside
in the area (OCHA, 23/01/2015).
Polio
Extreme vaccine shortages, a low rate of vaccination – reported to be 50% – an already
weak surveillance system disintegrating, armed conflict, and displacement have all
aggravated the risk of polio transmission (Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 02/10/2014;
UNICEF, 20/10/2014).
Tuberculosis
Doctors are warning of a worsening tuberculosis epidemic in eastern Ukraine. 48,000
people are registered with the disease; however, one in four people with TB are not
officially registered, according to WHO (AFP, 18/08/2014).
In areas under government control, stocks of drug supplies for HIV and TB patients
will be finished by March 2015 (OCHA, 23/01/2015). 11,600 multidrug-resistant TB cases
also urgently need drugs (OHCHR, 15/11/2014).
Shelter and NFIs
850,000 people are estimated to be in urgent need of shelter and NFIs (OCHA,
08/12/2014). Most urgent needs are in Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv regions (UNHCR,
08/12/2014). Winterisation is an urgent priority, including the provision of warm blankets
and winter clothes for IDPs (OCHA, 09/01/2015). Lack of coal and wood is a pressing
issue (OCHA, 26/12/2014). NFI needs are more pressing in Luhansk, Donetsk,
Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv, especially for new IDPs (OCHA,
23/01/2015). The lack of reliable energy supply over the winter is a serious concern
(OCHA, 28/09/2014). 20% of electricity needs are covered in Luhansk (OCHA,
109
03/10/2014). Supply of electricity in some parts of Donetsk region has been interrupted
(UNICEF, 14/11/2014).
According to estimates, more than 33,000 families living in the non-government-controlled
areas need emergency shelter solutions or repairs. In the Donbas region, there is need for
NFIs, especially for the 20% of the population previously receiving social service support
(Shelter and NFI Cluster, 29/12/2014). More than 12,000 facilities have been damaged or
destroyed as a result of the conflict (OCHA, 28/11/2014).
Concerns remain about how to fund the temporary accommodation of IDPs (UNHCR,
23/09/2014; OCHA, 28/11/2014). Due to lack of financial resources and facilities,
Government coordination agencies often refuse free accommodation to IDPs (OCHA,
13/09/2014). Collective centres are facing problems due to non-payment of communal
and food services, and the prospect of bankruptcy is looming. This is increasing the
risk of IDPs being evicted or compelled to return to unsafe areas (OCHA, 23/01/2015).
IDPs renting accommodation seem to be excluded from any humanitarian assistance, and
in a worse situation compared to those staying in collective centres (OCHA, 14/11/2014).
WASH
Water is now available in most areas of government-controlled territory; however, the
quality of water is of major concern. People are either buying bottled water or boiling it
before they drink (OCHA, 24/10/2014).
750,000 people are estimated to be in need of WASH, most vulnerable people are in
Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions (OCHA, 08/12/2014; UNICEF, 08/12/2014).
161,260 people in Donetsk and 46,950 in Luhansk regions still do not have a reliable
water supply due to damage to power lines (UNICEF, 23/01/2015).The delivery of
drinking water and hygiene supplies in opposition-controlled areas remains a huge
challenge for the humanitarian community (UNICEF, 12/12/2014).
In Donetsk region, damage to critical infrastructure has left approximately 30% of
inhabitants without a central water and gas supply (UNICEF, 20/10/2014; OCHA,
08/12/2014). The water system in six major towns was disrupted for 86 days and there is
now need for water purification plants (UNICEF, 09/01/2015). Diesel generators are
needed to power water pumps and treatment units (OCHA, 28/09/2014).
In Donetsk and Luhansk regions, temporary latrines and disinfection materials are urgently
required (UNICEF, 12/12/2014; 09/01/2015).
Education
600,000 people in Donetsk and Luhansk need education (OCHA, 08/12/2014). 147 schools
have closed in Donetsk region (UNICEF, 19/12/2014). Lack of transportation is preventing
children from attending school (OCHA, 09/01/2015). 260,000 children were not able to
resume their studies on 1 September (OHCHR, 15/11/2014).
Protection
Approximately 100,000 children and adults are estimated to need psychosocial support
110
(INGOs, 31/12/2014).
Human rights abuses committed by armed groups continued to be reported, including
abduction, torture/ill-treatment, unlawful detention, execution and forced mobilisation of
civilians, as well as the seizure and occupation of public buildings (OHCHR, 15/11/2014).
Up to 600 people continue to be held by armed groups (OCHA, 23/01/2015).
IDPs
Women face prohibition from leaving conflict zones by their partners; rape; forced
domestic labour by insurgents; and violence in collective centres (OCHA, 19/09/2014). An
increasing number of cases of gender-based violence are being reported in conflictaffected areas (OCHA, 31/10/2014).
Updated: 26/01/2015
An increasing number of unlawful refusals of registration and financial assistance,
violations of employment rights, and limited access to social benefits is being reported.
There are still long waits for IDPs to register with the Department of Social Protection in
regions near the conflict zone (OCHA, 12/12/2014). IDPs are often unable to access
employment (OCHA, 31/10/2014). UNHCR has reported a pattern of discrimination and
stigmatisation against IDPs from the east on political grounds (IOM, 22/10/2014).
NORTH
AMERICA
Mines and ERW
Evidence of widespread use of cluster munitions in some 12 locations has been
documented by Human Rights Watch. While it was not possible to determine conclusively
responsibility for all attacks, evidence indicated that Ukrainian government forces were
responsible for several cluster munition attacks on Donetsk city in early October (Cluster
Munition Coalition, 22/10/2014).
Mines and unexploded ordnance have been increasingly reported in areas of Donetsk and
Luhansk, with civilian deaths (UNICEF, 22/10/2014).
HAITI FOOD INSECURITY, EPIDEMIC, HURRICANE
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Minorities
19 January: A unity government was formed by President Martelly and his newly
installed Prime Minister, but tensions with opposition demonstrators are expected to
persist (AFP).
An estimated 260,000 Roma live in Ukraine. In August, OCHA reported that the Roma
population displaced from Donbas experiences access restrictions to government health
and social services: 40% do not have documentation, and many fear registration as IDPs,
preventing access to humanitarian assistance. Being registered as Roma may lead to
persecution upon return (UNHCR, 17/10/2014).
KEY CONCERNS
In Crimea, Crimean Tatars and other pro-Ukraine figures have been forcibly disappeared
or gone missing since May (HRW, 07/10/2014).
Vulnerable Groups
The situation of people in institutional care is a major concern. Disabled people, orphans,
older people and people in psychiatric hospitals are in particular need of immediate
protection (UNHCR, 20/10/2014; OCHA, 12/12/2014). There are indications that 50% of
state and municipal institutions for the care and guardianship of minors in Donetsk and
Luhansk regions are not functioning (international media, 07/10/2014). People with special
needs are facing problems accessing services and transportation in areas re-taken by the
Government (OCHA, 09/01/2015).
Women
- Ongoing severe dryness, particularly in the southern peninsula and the Central
Plateau, and below-average rainfall through December, is likely to result in the second
consecutive below-average harvest and increase food insecurity (FEWSNET,
18/12/2014).
- Despite a progressive decrease in cholera cases since January 2013, a spike in
cases was reported over the September–November rainy season (PAHO, 02/12/2014).
- 800,000 people relied on humanitarian assistance in 2014 (UN, 27/10/2014).
- 79,400 IDPs remain in 105 camps as a result of the 2010 earthquake (IOM,
09/01/2015).
- The resilience of the population and its capacity to cope with new crises are generally
weak.
Food Security
OVERVIEW
An estimated three million Haitians have both chronic and acute humanitarian needs,
and are facing displacement, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Haiti’s political and
economic situation is extremely fragile, and the country is vulnerable to natural
disasters, including hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, and droughts. The
resilience of the population is extremely low.
Political Context
A unity government was formed on 19 January by President Martelly and his newly
installed Prime Minister, but tensions with opposition demonstrators are expected to
persist, as new ministers are reshuffled from the previous Government (AFP,
19/01/2015).
The Parliament became dysfunctional on 12 January after failing to hold elections within its
constitutional framework, deepening the political crisis (UN, 13/01/2015). The indefinite
postponement of elections since 2011 has contributed to a polarised political climate.
While the UN stabilisation mission, MINUSTAH, maintains police in regions, the Haitian
National Police are not yet fully capable of dealing with civil unrest (OCHA, 31/07/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
In 2014, 800,000 people relied on international humanitarian assistance (UN, 27/10/2014).
Disasters
Nearly 91,000 Haitians have been affected by heavy floods that hit northern and western
departments in November 2014. 18 people were killed and more than 22,000 houses
damaged. At end December, the Nord department still reported significant NFI and WASH
needs (OCHA, 31/12/2014).
Displacement
IDPs
At 9 January, 79,400 IDPs remained in 105 camps following the 2010 earthquake (IOM,
09/01/2015). Most sites are in the capital. In October, Delmas (38%), Port-au-Prince (27%)
and Croix-des-Bouquets (10%) accounted for 75% of displaced households (CCCM,
08/10/2014). Priority needs include the provision of minimum basic services, protection
monitoring and response, and promotion of durable solutions (OCHA, 03/11/2014).
Population numbers in open camps grew over the first six months of 2014, as other camps
closed, and insecurity elsewhere has increased (OHCHR, MINUSTAH, Protection Cluster,
30/06/2014). Basic services in camps have declined faster than the pace of return or
relocation. Only one-third of camps have access to water and access to healthcare is
problematic due to lack of infrastructure and funding (OCHA, 31/07/2014).
111
As of July, 2.6 million Haitians continue to be affected by food insecurity, including 200,000
severely food insecure (OCHA, 20/08/2014).
In October, populations in Artibonite, Nord-Ouest, Sud-Est, and Nippes departments faced
Stressed (IPC Phase 2) food security levels (OCHA, 04/10/2014). Parts of Sud, Sud-Est,
and Nippes departments are likely to enter Crisis (IPC Phase 3) by March 2015
(FEWSNET, 18/11/2014). Below-average food stocks due to the prolonged drought are
expected to result in higher food prices between March and April 2015 (AlterPress,
21/10/2014).
Agricultural Outlook
Around 67,500 people (16,000 families) are reportedly affected by the drop in cereal
production in Central Plateau, Nord-Ouest, Sud-Est, and Ouest departments (FAO,
02/12/2014).
Heavy rainfall at the beginning of November affected agricultural output, with 62% and 29%
losses in breeding production in the north and northeast, respectively (Government,
20/11/2014). In contrast, prolonged drought conditions over Haiti in January are
reducing the availability of water for irrigation systems; Nord-Ouest, Artibonite,
Nord, Grand’Anse and Sud departments are most affected. Potential above-normal
temperatures until March could reduce water availability for crops and increase the
cost of cropping activities in Artibonite Valley, in Plaine de l'Arcahaie and Plaine du
Cul de sac in Ouest, Plaine des Cayes in Sud, and St Raphael and Grison Garde in
Nord (FEWSNET, 19/01/2015).
Health and Nutrition
Five million Haitians (half of the total population) lack access to basic health services (UN,
27/10/2014). Some hospitals have still not been fully rehabilitated since the
earthquake, while a national plan to provide urgent care for cholera patients is still
lacking (MSF, 08/01/2015). Lack of mental health support is also reported, with only seven
mental health professionals in the country (Alter Press, 10/01/2015).
Cholera
The upward trend in incidence continues at the beginning of 2015, with 50% more
cases than in the same period last year.
27,434 suspected cases of cholera and 294 deaths were recorded in 2014, including
11,324 cases and 133 fatalities over 8 November–31 December, a 20% increase
compared to the same period in 2013 (ECHO, 16/01/2015). The departments of
Artibonite, Centre, Ouest, and Nord are most affected (PAHO, 02/12/2014).
Overall, 725,476 suspected cholera cases and 8,824 deaths have been reported by the
Ministry of Health since the start of the epidemic in October 2010 (ECHO,
16/01/2015).
Nutrition
camps (OHCHR, MINUSTAH and Protection Cluster, 30/06/2014).
100,000 children under five suffer acute malnutrition, 20,000 of whom are severely
malnourished. Ten communes have above 10% GAM (OCHA, 20/08/2014).
Updated: 22/01/2015
Malnutrition rates in IDP camps are of great concern. In May, GAM in 20 camps stood at
12.5% (OCHA, 20/08/2014).
WASH
GUATEMALA DROUGHT, FLOODS, FOOD INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
No significant developments this week, 20/01/2015. Last update 08/01/2015.
More than 3.4 million Haitians lack access to safe water (one-third of the total population
and 47% of the rural population) (UN, 30/09/2014). 38% do not have access to improved
water sources and 69% lack access to improved sanitation (World Bank, 30/09/2014).
Access to water sources in Belladere in the Centre department is reportedly limited (Alter
Press, 14/01/2015).
KEY CONCERNS
As of June, 50% of camps lack adequate sanitation facilities; only one-third have a water
point. 60% of schools have no toilets and more than three-quarters lack access to water
(HRW, 08/10/2014). Waterborne diseases are one of the main causes of infant mortality
(World Bank, 09/10/2014).
- 12,200 cases of acute malnutrition have been recorded among under-fives in
Guatemala in 2014, as of 12 October (Government, 12/10/2014).
Shelter
94% of people left homeless by the 2010 earthquake have been relocated outside camps.
Their living conditions are poorer than before the earthquake (UN, 27/10/2014).
Education
17% of IDPs in camps surveyed in 2014 have not received any education services
(OHCHR, MINUSTAH and Protection Cluster, 30/06/2014).
Protection
112
- 1.5 million people have been affected by drought (SESAN MAGA quoted by WHO,
07/11/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Disasters
Cold Wave
5,860 people have been placed in shelters due to a cold wave that began in November
2014; the most affected are in Sacatepéquez (Government, 22/12/2014; 08/01/2015). As of
16 December, 2,206 people were in temporary shelters in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala,
Quetzaltenango, Quiché, Sacatepéquez, San Marcos, and Totonicapán (local media,
17/12/2014).
Drought
Children
Five years since the 2008 earthquake, many children still show signs of emotional and
psychological stress and remain in need of protection; minors in camps are particularly at
risk of exploitation, with sexual violence against minors commonplace (Save the Children,
08/01/2015).
Eviction
Thousands of IDPs in 22 camps are considered at risk of forced eviction, as landowners
seek to reclaim their lands (ECHO, 15/12/2014). Few are targeted by a return programme
(OCHA, 25/11/2014).
Sexual and Gender-based Violence
The number of rapes reported in the first half of 2014 is double that of the same period in
2013. More than two-thirds of the rapes reported involved minors (OHCHR and Protection
Cluster, 30/06/2014). Gender-based violence continues to be of great concern in IDP
1.5 million people have been affected by drought (SESAN MAGA quoted by WFP,
07/11/2014; UNHCR, 12/12/2014). 944,000 people in the Dry Corridor are particularly
affected, as they are highly dependent on subsistence farming (ACT Alliance, 15/10/2014).
The Government declared a State of Public Calamity due to drought in August 2014 in 16
departments: Jutiapa, Chiquimula, Santa Rosa, Quiché, El Progreso, Huehuetenango, Baja
Verapaz, Zacapa, Retalhuleu, Solola, Totonicapan, Chimaltenango, San Marcos,
Guatemala, Suchitepequez and Jalapa. 73% of the country’s territory was affected (UN
Country Team, 28/08/2014). On 26December, the decree was extended for 30 extra days
(local media, 26/12/2014).
The Government appealed for international help to deal with the loss of crops in early
December (FAO, 11/12/2014). 98% of harvests have been lost in Chiquimula, El Progreso,
and Zacapa (Government, 28/08/2014). 56% of affected communities were left with no
possibility of planting, and 99,600 people with no income opportunities (ACTED,
28/08/2014; Government, 11/09/2014).
The current crisis is preceded by two years of bad harvests and aggravated by the impact
of reduced employment in the coffee bean sector, caused by the coffee leaf rust epidemic
of the last two harvests (UN Country Team, 28/08/2014).
Drought has affected 2.5 million people across Central America: Nicaragua, Honduras, and
El Salvador are also affected (Government of Honduras, 13/01/2015).
Floods
Heavy rains over the May–December season affected 655,200 people and damaged 9,610
houses. 9,978 people were evacuated, 4,423 to shelters, two people disappeared, 25 were
injured, and 29 died (local media, 03/12/2014). Zapaca department was the most affected:
at least 12,000 people from 54 communities were cut off from the departmental capital
(Siglo XXI, 19/10/2014).
113
Households most affected by drought decided not to plant crops in the second planting
season, and in eight of the 16 affected departments, producers are only growing maize.
For these subsistence farmers who decided not to plant for the second season, the
scenario is very uncertain until the next harvest in August 2015 (OCHA, 10/12/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Provision of primary healthcare has been interrupted in rural areas of several
municipalities due to budget limitations (Government, 12/10/2014). Compulsory vaccination
programmes, nutritional vigilance, and specific care for pregnant women and malnourished
children have been interrupted (Action against Hunger, 30/09/2014).
Chikungunya
As of 11 December, 1,568 people in Quiché department were affected by flooding from the
Chixoy River, in the municipalities of San Jorge, Tres Lagunas I, Nueva Máquina, Tres
Ríos, and Tres Lagunas II and III. Families lost all their harvests (local media, 04/12/2014;
11/12/2014).
As of 2 January, 21,859 suspected cases of chikungunya have been reported and 198
cases confirmed (local media, 17/12/2014; WHO, 29/12/2014).
As of 28 November, heavy rains and strong winds affected more than 2,200 people in the
northern regions of the country. Approximately 1,600 people were affected in Alta Verapaz
and Baja Verapaz, where 335 houses were flooded. The remaining 600 affected people
were in Petén department, where 300 houses were flooded (local media, 28/11/2014).
116 children died from malnutrition in 2014. Between January and November, 14,731
children were reported to be malnourished, which represents a 16% reduction compared to
last year (Prensa Latina, 17/12/2014). The highest rate of acute malnutrition was identified
in the eastern part of the country with 5.4%. Overall, 4.7% presented total acute
malnutrition and 2.5% presented severe acute malnutrition in girls (OCHA, 10/12/2014).
Food Security
Nutrition
WASH
As of 10 December, 150,000 people (30,000 families) had finished their food stocks and
were implementing survival strategies (OCHA, 10/12/2014). 1.5 million people are affected
by food insecurity (OCHA, 10/12/2014). Exhaustion of food stocks and reduced income will
deteriorate food security to Crisis levels (IPC Phase 3) in January–March 2015
(FEWSNET, 18/11/2014).
The coffee leaf rust epidemic, which began in 2012, is affecting the entire Central America
region (International Coffee Organization). In Guatemala, some 70% of crops have been
affected, corresponding to a loss of 100,000 jobs and a 15% drop in coffee output over the
past two years (Save the Children, 29/09/2014).
Agricultural Outlook
70% of small-scale and subsistence farmers have suffered losses due to the drought. 47%
of households affected depend on basic crop production (WFP, 07/11/2014). Over 70%
crops have been lost in some affected areas of the Highlands (FEWSNET, 18/11/2014).
Recent estimates predict a 9% drop in national primera maize production compared to last
year (FAO, 19/09/2014). About 75% of maize and beans harvests have been lost (OCHA,
10/12/2014).
Primera and postrera harvests will not cover the food consumption deficits of households
suffering crop failures for the last two years and reduced incomes due to coffee leaf rust
(FEWSNET, 05/2014).
7,000 people were left without running water in Zapaca following heavy rains and drainage
collapse (Prensa Libre, 22/10/2014).
23% of households in drought-affected areas are estimated not to have access to safe
drinkable water (SESAN quoted by OCHA, 03/11/2014).
Reviewed: 20/01/2015
HONDURAS DROUGHT, FOOD INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
No significant developments this week, 12/01/2015. Last update 07/01/2015.
KEY CONCERNS
- One million people are affected by the drought in Honduras and are at risk of food
insecurity (OCHA, 10/12/2014). Choluteca, Valle, El Paraíso, Francisco Morazán,
Intibuca and Lempira departments are most affected (EU, 20/08/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Disasters
Drought
114
areas do not have sufficient capacity to meet the needs of the affected population and
there is a 50% shortage of medicine stocks (OCHA, 10/12/2014).
Dengue
930,000 people in 165 departments have been affected by drought (Government,
13/01/2015). 372,000 small-scale and subsistence farmers and labourers were considered
to be in need of humanitarian assistance at the end of October (Humanitarian Country
Team, 27/10/2014). Choluteca, Valle, El Paraíso, Francisco Morazán, Intibuca, and
Lempira departments are most affected (EU, 20/08/2014). The Government declared a
state of emergency in the Dry Corridor on 5 August (Government, 05/08/2014).
Drought has affected 2.5 million people in Central America (Government, 13/01/2015).
Floods
On 1 December, a red alert – mandatory evacuation – was imposed by national authorities
in the department of Atlantida due to expected continuation of heavy rains, and a
precautionary yellow alert for the departments of Cortés, Bay Islands and Colon, and
northern part of the Yoro department (local media; OCHA, 01/12/2014). In the north, severe
storms caused damage and the death of four people (PAHO, 03/12/2014).
Food Security
One million people are affected by food insecurity (OCHA, 10/12/2014). Vulnerable
households in parts of southern Honduras will experience Stressed (IPC Phase 2) levels of
food insecurity October 2014–March 2015 due to below-average 2014 primera harvests,
reduced income from coffee sector employment and sales, and above-average basic food
prices (FEWSNET, 18/11/2014).
It is projected that the southwestern region will be in Crisis food insecurity (IPC Phase 3)
from March due to severe damage to the grain harvest and coffee rust (FEWSNET,
20/12/2014).
Agriculture and Markets
Secondary season production is not expected to offset crop production losses (WFP,
12/2014). Delayed postrera sowing due to moisture deficits in August will result in stepped
production.
Maize prices increased by 23% and bean prices by 17% over the third quarter of 2014
(WFP, 27/10/2014).
The coffee leaf rust epidemic, affecting the entire Central American region, is further
affecting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and day labourers. In Honduras, Nicaragua,
and El Salvador, 655,000 people are estimated to be food insecure due to the coffee leaf
rust infestation (WFP, 15/10/2014).
Health and Nutrition
Limited access to water due to drought is having a negative impact on hygiene, in turn
increasing health risks, especially acute diarrhoeal diseases. Health services in rural
As of 2 December, 38,600 cases of dengue have been recorded (local media, 16/12/2014).
Chikungunya
5,338 cases of chikungunya have been reported since October 2014, 96% in the
Choluteca and Valle departments in the south (local media, 14/01/2015).
Nutrition
3.4% of children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition, with a greater impact on
girls (5.6%). At least 19,559 children are malnourished as a direct consequence of the
drought (OCHA, 10/12/2014).
WASH
The drought has affected access to safe drinking water in the most affected areas (La
Prensa, 10/08/2014). 27,300 people are considered to be in need of house disinfection,
health education and access to safe water according to a joint assessment between the
Ministry of Health and the Water and Sanitation working group (Humanitarian Country
Team, 27/10/2014).
Reviewed: 20/01/2015
NICARAGUA FOOD INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
No significant developments this week, 19/01/2015. Last update 26/11/2014.
KEY CONCERNS
- About 400,000 people are estimated to be affected by drought, 100,000 of whom are in
need of assistance (OCHA, 03/11/2014; ACT Alliance, 31/10/2014).
- Vulnerable communities will face Stressed (IPC Phase 2) Food Insecurity from
October to December (FEWSNET, 01/09/2014).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
Disasters
Drought
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SOUTH AMERICA
About 400,000 people were estimated to be affected by drought in November, and 100,000
of them in dire need of assistance (OCHA, 03/11/2014, ACT Alliance, 31/10/2014). It is
estimated that 112 of the country’s 156 municipalities have reported damage or loss of
crops. Nearly 75% of the primera maize crop was lost (OCHA, 09/08/2014). Latest official
assessments have revised estimated losses upward, to 77,000 metric tons of maize and
45,000 metric tons of rice. The most affected areas are the northern departments of Nueva
Segovia, Madriz, and Estelí, bordering Honduras.
The drought, which began in late July, has been the worst in more than 30 years.
Nicaragua requested aid from humanitarian and development actors in the country (OCHA,
29/08/2014). Drought has affected 2.5 million people in Central America (Government,
13/01/2015).
Food Security
Poor households in northwestern areas will be in Stressed levels of food insecurity (IPC
Phase 2) January–March 2015 due to production losses, price rises for basic food
products and reduced income opportunities (FEWSNET, 18/11/2014).
Agricultural Outlook
In Estelí, Madriz, Nueva Segovia, Matagalpa, León and Chinandega departments, farmers
waited until the end of September to sow postrera seeds due to insufficient rainfall, which
will result in stepped production.
The coffee leaf rust epidemic, affecting the entire Central American region, is further
affecting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and day labourers, though it is expected to
be less harsh than in previous years (Government, 05/01/2015).
Health
COLOMBIA CONFLICT, DROUGHT, DISPLACEMENT, INSECURITY
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
24 January: FARC-EP reported attacks from the military on 12, 18, and 21 January
despite the FARC-EP’s unilateral ceasefire (local media, 24/01/2015).
20 January: Peace negotiations between the government and the FARC-EP will resume
on 2 February (World Bulletin, 20/01/2014).
KEY CONCERNS
- 4.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 20/01/2015).
- 262,000 people are trapped in their communities due to armed violence (OCHA,
20/01/2015).
Chikungunya
As of 29 December, 1,918 cases of chikungunya have been reported, as well as 1,598
suspected cases, for 2014 (Government, 15/12/2014; WHO, 29/12/2014).
Reviewed: 20/01/2015
OVERVIEW
Five decades of armed violence coupled with the country’s frequent natural disasters
have had serious humanitarian consequences. Forced displacement, landmine
contamination, as well as gender-based violence are among the major concerns. For
rural communities, movement restrictions by armed groups limit access to basic health
services, crops and labour markets.
Political Context
Colombia’s armed conflict has spanned five decades, pitting the central government
against armed groups such as the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia – People’s
Army (FARC-EP) and the National Liberation Army (ELN).Created by landless peasants,
the FARC-EP aims to ‘end social, political, and economic inequalities’ while the ELN was
created based on Marxist-Leninist ideals along with those announced during Vatican II (In
Sight Crime). Attempts at peace negotiations in the 1980s and from 1998-2000 failed. The
latest peace negotiations began in November 2012 in Havana, Cuba. Agreements have
already been reached on agrarian reform, political participation, and illicit drugs. The next
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round in February will discuss the end of the armed conflict (World Bulletin,
20/01/2014).
reintegration programmes with the Colombian Reintegration Agency (Government,
16/12/2014).
Security Context
Recent Incidents
The intensity of the armed conflict has decreased substantially since the start of the peace
negotiations in 2012. A 24% decrease in ‘terrorist activity’ was announced by President
Juan Manuel Santos in early 2014 as well as a drop in homicides from 16,033 cases in
2012 to 14,782 in 2013 (Colombia Reports 01/2014). Other types of violence prevalent in
Colombia include kidnappings and extortion by armed groups and gangs called Bacrim.
Stakeholders
FARC-EP: The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) is
the oldest left-wing militant group in Colombia. It was formed in 1964 by the Colombian
Communist Party as a result of rural unrest from fighting between the liberal and
conservative parties. Approximately 7,000 fighters make up the FARC-EP today, which
allegedly makes between USD 500 and 600 million in profits from the illicit drug trade
(UNRIC 2013; BBC 29/08/2013). The FARC-EP has been active throughout the country,
but especially in Arauca, Meta, Norte de Santander, Cauca and Antioquia. In November
2012, the group joined peace negotiations with the Government in Havana, Cuba, with the
aim of putting an end to the conflict and transitioning into peace. On 20 December, FARCEP announced a unilateral ceasefire (Washington Office on Latin America, 2014).
ELN: The National Liberation Army is a left-wing militant group formed in 1965 and
composed of 1,500 fighters. On 7 January, it stated that it intended to join the peace talks
and would consider disarmament (AFP, 07/01/2015; BBC, 07/01/2015). The ELN have been
active in Arauca, Nothe de Santander, Nariño and Cauca Departments (Kienyke, 2013).
Government forces: The Government of Colombia has uses strategies to combat nonstate armed groups. These strategies have been closely linked to eliminating the
cultivation of illicit crops in the country which finances the armed groups.
Bacrims: Criminal gangs under the names Black Eagles, Erpac, and Rastrojos, among
others, are made up of former paramilitary fighters and another former armed group, the
United Armed Forces of Colombia (AUC). They are involved in drug-trafficking and
extortion (BBC 29/08/2013) throughout the entire country as well as in Venezuela and
Panama, but have a lot activity in Antioquia Department as well as the Pacific and
Caribbean Region.
Conflict Developments
During the fourth quarter of 2014, Antioquia, Cauca, Arauca, Meta and Norte de Santander
departments were the most affected by armed activity (OCHA, 07/01/2015).
Since FARC-EP’s unilateral ceasefire in mid-December, the number of violent incidents
related to the armed conflict has dropped to levels not seen since the 1980s (Missionary
International Service News Agency, 12/01/2015). Disarmament, demobilization and
reintegration programmes have been operational since 2003; 56,903 people have been
demobilised from armed groups, including 47,770 people who has gone through
FARC-EP reported being subjects to attacks by the military on 12, 18, and 21
January, resulting in three casualties (local media, 24/01/2015).
Humanitarian Context and Needs
4.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Colombia, including 1.5
million affected by natural disasters and 262,000 in trapped communities (OCHA
2014; 20/01/2015).
Access
Trapped Communities
Approximately 262,000 people are trapped and need assistance due to ongoing
conflict where they live (OCHA 20/01/2015). In Chocó, an estimated 6,500 people are
affected. The situation is critical for 2,000. Clashes between the National Liberation Army
(ELN) and paramilitary group, Gaitanistas, on 13 June in Alto Baudo, Chocó, caused
severe movement restrictions as well as displacement of Afro-Colombian and indigenous
populations, mainly in fear of being caught in the fighting (Colombia Reports, 11/07/2014).
In the municipality of San Miguel, Putumayo department, pamphlets distributed by the
FARC-EP warn citizens of antipersonnel mines; 1,284 people are unable to fish, hunt, or
work regular hours for fear of coming across (OCHA, 16/01/2015).
Disasters
Approximately 1.5 million people are affected by natural disasters in Colombia every year
(OCHA, 20/01/2015). Events include floods, strong winds, high temperatures and droughts.
Chocó and Cauca are among the most affected departments.
Droughts
Approximately 566,300 people are affected by drought in the north (OCHA, 22/08/2014).
Since the week of 22 December, the drought has heightened the propensity of forest fires,
cold waves in the high plains, and a decrease in river levels in the Magdalena River
between Port Berrio and Port Wilches (El Espectador, 07/01/2015). Eleven departments
are under a state of emergency for forest fires; over 80 emergencies have been recorded
in the departments of Antioquia, Quindio, Santander, and Valle (OCHA, 05/01/2015). 30
hectares of crops have been affected by forest fires in Boyaca department (El Espectador,
18/01/2015).
In Chocó department, 200 drought-affected areas lack proper access to water, food
security, and are reporting health issues (OCHA, 15/01/2015).
Floods
Floods affected 2,000 people in Timbiqui (Cauca) in early November; houses were
damaged and livelihoods lost (OCHA, 11/2014).
Displacement
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The city of Medellín, Antioquia Deparment, declared a health alert due to the chikungunya
virus because the department has detected 600 cases. Countrywide, 74,566 cases have
been reported as of 7 January, primarily in the Caribbean region (local media, 07/01/2015).
Nutrition
IDPs
Colombia hosts 5.1 million IDPs. In 2014, there were 97,450 new IDPs, compared to
228,530 in 2013 (OCHA, 20/01/2015). 39% of the IDP caseload between 2012 and June
2014 was concentrated in the Pacific region. The municipalities of Cali (Valle del Cauca),
Popayán (Cauca) and Buenaventura (Valle del Cauca) were the main areas receiving
displaced populations. In 2014, new displacement was primarily concentrated in Cauca
and Chocó (OCHA, 07/01/2015).
From January to November 2014, 240 children under the age of five died due to
malnutrition (RCN, 25/11/2014), including at least 43 in northeastern Colombia (AFP,
09/12/2014). The national GAM was 3.5% in 2010 with rural areas at 4.7% and urban areas
at 2.9%. Chronic malnutrition rate was 13.2% in 2010 and projected to be 8% in 2015
(FAO, 05/2011).
WASH
Chocó: 38,320 IDPs (HNO, 2014). Between 27 and 29 November, 414 Wounnan Indians
were displaced from Burujon, Buenaventura, and Union Basalito due to fighting between
the Marine Infantry and unidentified armed groups (FSC, 2014).
1.1 million people are in need of WASH (OCHA, 20/01/2015). Only 35.5% of the population
consumes potable water with only 15% of rural areas consuming water treated (OCHA,
20/01/2015).
Cauca: 78,550 IDPs (HNO, 2014). Growing insecurity in Alto Baudo since June 2014 has
displaced Afro-Colombian and indigenous populations to Cauca Department (OCHA, 2014).
Shelter and NFIs
Valle del Cauca: 92,200 IDPs (HNO, 2014). Violence between armed forces and an
unidentified armed group has affected up to 3,000 people in indigenous and Afro-Colombian
communities on the border of Chocó and Valle del Cauca since September 2014. 800
people have been displaced to Buenaventura (OCHA, 30/11/2014).
916,000 people need shelter (OCHA, 20/01/2015). Many of those displaced by the armed
conflict come from rural areas and have difficulty in re-obtaining rights to their homes. A
process is in place in the departments of Atlantico and Magdalena in northern Colombia,
though some of the claimants have received threats from paramilitary groups (Amnesty,
23/01/2015).
Colombian Refugees in Neighbouring Countries
Education
400,000 Colombians have sought refuge in neighbouring countries. 900–1,000 are arriving
in Ecuador every month; the rate has dropped 30% since 2012 (Nuevo Municipio,
26/11/2014).
There are one million school-age children in need of education; 70% in rural regions and
30% in urban areas (OCHA, 20/01/2015; Enseña por Colombia, 2015). There are also more
than 3,000 children living in instituteions without access to school kits or feeding programs
(OCHA, 20/01/2015).
Food Security
Protection
1.2 million people are food insecure (OCHA, 20/01/2015) due to in part to low food
production, poverty and internal displacement from the conflict (USAID). Indigenous
communities in Nariño are among the most affected by food insecurity. In November 2014,
food prices increased comparted to previous months (FAO, 31/12/2014). 223,000 persons
affected by the conflict are food insecurity with 557,000 requiring support to receive food
assistance (OCHA, 20/01/2015).
Health and Nutrition
Only 30% of victims have access to healthcare assistance (OCHA, 20/01/2015).
Dengue
In 2014 there were 88 deaths related to dengue, of 108,290 cases (REC, 15/01/2015).
Chikungunya
Afro-Colombians and indigenous peoples are highly vulnerable groups, as they are
minorities and generally live in areas that make them more likely to be trapped by conflict
(NRC, 09/2014).
Child Protection
Reports show that since peace negotiations began in 2012, 76% of children fighting with
the FARC-EP and 18% with the ELN have been reintegrated into society (UNICEF, 2014).
Gender and Gender-based Violence
52% of displaced women have suffered some type of sexual violence after displacement
according to a study by OHCHR, especially for women in the Pacific region (NRC,
09/2014).
Updated: 26/01/2015
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More information on the Global Emergency Overview Methodology can be found in the Global Overview
Methodology Brief and the Frequently Asked Questions .
Introduction to the Global Emergency Overview Update
The Global Emergency Overview is a weekly update that provides a snapshot of current humanitarian
priorities and recent events. The Global Emergency Overview collates information from a wide range of
sources, including Reliefweb and media sources, and displays this information in a manner that allows for
quick comparison of different humanitarian crises. The primary objective of the Global Emergency Overview is
to rapidly inform humanitarian decision makers by presenting a summary of major humanitarian crises, both
recent and protracted. It is designed to provide answers to four questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Which humanitarian crises currently exist? (World map)
What has happened in the last seven days? (Highlights and Snapshot)
What is the situation in the country affected by a crisis? (Highlights Box and Narrative)
Which countries could be prioritised in terms of humanitarian response? (Prioritisation)
The Global Emergency Overview consists of three main sections:
First, the world map provides an overview of how the countries are prioritised, indicated by different shades
of blue. The countries are subdivided by four priority levels: “on watch”, "situation of concern", "humanitarian
crisis", and "severe humanitarian crisis".
The priority levels are assigned on the basis of:
the number of people affected by recent disasters
the level of access to the affected population
the <5 mortality rate
the level of development of the country
the number of protracted IDPs and refugees.
If a country experienced a disaster in the seven days prior to an update or witnessed an escalation of an ongoing crisis, a country is highlighted by a yellow dot on the map.
Second, the snapshot briefly describes what has happened in the last seven days from the date of
publication, by outlining the crises that have occurred in the different highlighted countries.
Third, narratives for each country included in the Global Emergency Overview reflect major developments
and underlying vulnerabilities of a country over the last months. Narratives are written based on secondary
data. For each country, a specific highlights box is also added to put emphasis on the major developments
that happened over the past 10 days.
The Global Emergency Overview is a mobile application.
To download the mobile application for Android phones click here.
Or go here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.acaps.acaps
To download the mobile application for iOS phones click here.
Or go here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/global-emergency-overview/id567382309?mt=8
Update
The Global Emergency Overview will be updated once a week and the results will be available every Tuesday
before midday (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time). In case of major new humanitarian
events or an escalation of an on-going crisis which triggers a change of prioritisation, the Global Overview will
be updated on an ad-hoc basis.
Disclaimer
While ACAPS has defined a methodology striving to ensure accuracy, the information provided is indicative
and should not be used in isolation from alternate sources of information for any decision making. ACAPS is
not responsible for any damage or loss resulting from the use of the information presented on this website.
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